What Are Skin Tags & Home Remedies For Removing Them?

Skin tags are small, hanging skin outgrowths, which may appear anywhere on the body. Common areas where these outgrowths appear are—the armpit, under the breasts, eyelids, neck, and groin. There are many other names for skin tags—cutaneous tag, fibroepithelial polyp, fibroma pendulum, Templeton skin tags, acrochordon, and fibroma molluscum. They usually occur in areas with folds of skin and are harmless.

Also, Read- Most Commonly Asked Questions About Skin Tags Answered

Many think that skin tags can be cut using nail cutters, but this can cause bleeding, infections, etc. Thus, you should talk to a professional doctor for skin tag removal.

In this post, we are going to shed light on what causes these benign growths and skin tag treatment at home.

Causes of Skin Tags

It’s not clear what contributes to the development of skin tags. However, they develop when skin rubs against skin or clothes.

Both men and women have equal chances of getting skin tags. However, people who are obese, individuals with diabetes, and pregnant women are more likely to develop them.

Here are some of the major risks factors associated with skin tags-

• Obesity
• Patients with diabetes
• Hormonal changes in women
• Those with sex-steroid imbalance
• Genetics
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels

Also, Read- Revealing the Top 10 Most Common Skin Tag Myths

Home Remedies For Skin Tags Treatment

String

It’s a quick way to remove skin tags at home, and you don’t require help from others. Many people use dental floss.  When you remove the tags with a string, the flow of blood is cut to a particular area, thus the skin tags fall away after a few days. Before trying this skin tag treatment, make sure you clean the skin thoroughly.

Using a Device

There’s a wide range of devices that can help cut the skin tag blood supply. When buying a device online, make sure it’s safe for you and you should carefully check the product details. This method of skin tag removal is called ligation.

Freezing Kit

There’s a wide range of products that can help freeze skin tags. These products contain nitrogen. You can find the products at a local drugstore. Before using the products, make sure you carefully check the instructions. You may require to apply these products several times before skin tags actually fall away.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This is another home remedy for skin tag removal. It helps treat various skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Before trying this method, you need to clean the area thoroughly. Then, soak a small cotton ball with apple cider vinegar, and place it around the tag. Affix it with a bandage for 10-15 minutes. Repeat the process 2-3 times a day. In case you experience any adverse effects, stop the treatment. Avoid using this method for skin tags around the eyelids.

Tea Tree Oil

It’s an essential oil with amazing antifungal & antiviral properties. Tea tree oil is effective for acne, eczema, etc.  Firstly, you need to clean the area properly. Massage the oil with the help of a cotton swab. Then, cover the area with a bandage for 15 minutes. You need to repeat the process 3-4 times a day. The skin tag will fall away within 7 days. This method may cause irritation to sensitive skin. If this happens to you, stop the treatment. Also, you should avoid using it for skin tags around eyelids.

Iodine

There’s anecdotal evidence that liquid iodine can help in skin tag removal. First, apply petroleum jelly to the area. Now, apply iodine across the tag using a cotton swab. Use a bandage to cover the area, and let iodine dry. Repeat the process at least twice a day, and the skin tags will drop off.

Garlic

Garlic has amazing anti-aging properties and can help remove skin tags and improve appearance. Crush a few pieces of garlic, and apply directly on the skin tags. Cover with a bandage overnight. Clean the surface and repeat the process. After a few applications, your skin tag will disappear. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda is beneficial for skin care. It can change the pH level of the skin, thus controlling the bacteria that cause skin tags. Mixing baking soda with castor oil can help you get off many other skin problems. 

What’s the process? Mix baking soda and castor oil in a bowl, and make a smooth paste. Apply the paste to the affected area, and let it be for a few hours. Then, wash the area with water.

Ginger

Ginger is a popular home remedy for colds, flu, etc. Antioxidants available in ginger can also help in preserving the collagen in the skin. Moreover, it has antimicrobial properties that stop bacterial growth, thus removing skin tags quickly.

What’s the process? Clean the surface using a gentle soap. Cut a few slices of ginger, and rub them on the skin tags for about 60 seconds. Don’t remove the ginger juice from the area. Within a few days, the skin tags will vanish.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant with many skin benefits. It helps moisturize skin, preventing signs of aging, and reducing scars & sun damage. Apply liquid vitamin E to the area, and massage gently. After a few applications, the skin tags will disappear.

Banana Peel

Banana is an amazing fruit with many health benefits. However, its peel can also help you get off skin problems, such as skin tags.

Keep a piece of banana peel over the skin tags. Cover it with a bandage, and let it be overnight. Repeat the process for a few days, and your skin tags will fall away.

Seek Professional Help

Home remedies can help remove small and medium-sized skin tags. But, you shouldn’t try removing large skin tags at home. Seek professional help if your skin tags start bleeding, itching, or changing their shapes. The doctor may ask you a few questions about your skin tags, and remove them using innovative techniques.

Key Takeaways

Skin tags are harmless growths on the skin. These outgrowths can be small, medium, or large. There are many ways to remove skin tags at home. You can use a string to cut the blood supply to the skin tag, thus it will fall off within a few days. Or you can buy a skin tag removal device. However, applying ginger, garlic, liquid iodine, banana peel, baking soda, etc. can also help remove skin tags quickly and painlessly. Clean the areas thoroughly before trying these methods for skin tag removal. And, if you experience irritation, itching, or other issues from any method, stop it, and seek professional help.

Contact our licensed doctors for the best skin tag treatment.