Skin tags are the small, soft, and benign little bumps that could occur in your skin’s folds such as the neck, eyelids, armpits, groin, or under the breasts. Skin tags are benign and harmless; they most often are felt to be an annoyance and so people will have them removed for cosmetic reasons or because they feel irritated by clothing, jewelry, or even the skin tag itself. So, if you are looking for ways to naturally remove a skin tag safely at home congratulations! You’ve come to the right place.
In this guide we will discuss the causes of skin tags, we will explore whether skin tags can be removed naturally, and identify any specific home remedies which might help you to work with your skin tags in a gentle and effective way.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags (also called acrochordons) are small benign growths that occur when collagen and blood vessels become trapped in thicker areas of skin. Skin tags can range from a few millimeters to few centimeters in size and often occur in skin folds, or where there is a lot of friction.
Skin tags are very common and not usually harmful, although they may seem bothersome if they catch on clothing or jewelry. However, there are also natural remedies available to consider before medical procedures.
Are natural remedies safe and effective?
Natural remedies may take longer to work than clinical treatments such as cryotherapy or surgical removal, but they can be a gentler and less invasive approach. However, you should always keep these in mind:
- Not all skin growths are skin tags. It is advised to confirm the diagnosis with a healthcare provider especially if the skin growth is changing size, color, or shape.
- Every natural thing is not risk-free. Always conduct a patch test, especially if using acidic or strong ingredients.
- Patience. Natural remedies may take several days or weeks to respond.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is among the most popular natural therapies. Tea tree oil has potent antibacterial and antiviral properties. The mechanism of action is to dry the skin tag, ultimately leading to its loss.
How to use:
- Clean the skin around the tag.
- Drench a cotton swab in diluted tea tree oil (this can be diluted in coconut or olive oil).
- Apply it directly on the skin tag.
- Cover with a bandage and leave overnight.
- Repeat every night until the skin tag dries up and falls off.
Note – This method generally takes 1-2 weeks. Avoid contact with the eyes.
Dental Floss or Thread
In the “dental floss” or “thread” technique, you are cutting off the blood supply to the skin tag, which, in essence, causes it to become necrotic and fall off — it is also called ligation.
How to do it:
- Clean the area well.
- Tie a small piece of sterile dental floss tight (it does not have to be super tight around the base of the tag).
- Leave it on and check the following day. You may still be able to make it a little tighter, check regularly.
- The tag should fall off within a few days to a week.
Note: This technique should not be used for skin tags near the eyes or genitals, in which you could have issues like pain or infection.
Apple Cider Vinegar
In part because of its acid, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another trusted remedy. It can dissolve the tissue inside of the skin tag, which can shrink the skin tag and cause it to fall off.
How to use:
- Soak a cotton ball in ACV.
- Place it over the tag and secure it in place with a bandage.
- Leave it on for 15–30 minutes a day.
- Rinse the area and pat dry.
- Repeat every day for 1–2 weeks.
Warning: ACV can cause irritation, especially on sensitive skin, so stop using it if you experience redness or burning.
Garlic
Garlic has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Although it is pungent, it can be valuable in eliminating skin tags.
How to Use:
- Take one clove of fresh garlic and crush it into a paste.
- Apply directly to the skin tag.
- Cover with a bandage.
- Leave overnight and wash off in the morning.
- Repeat for no longer than one week.
Garlic can irritate the skin around the skin tag, so use good judgement and never put it on broken skin.
Post-Care Suggestions
Proper aftercare after removing the skin tag will help prevent infection or scarring.
- Gently wash the area with soap and water.
- Next, use an antiseptic or healing ointment, such as aloe vera.
- Keep the area dry, and avoid touching or messing with any scabs or scabs/scabs along the way (,because it feels like skin).
- In the event that parts of the skin tag were left behind, you may call your doctor with questions.
- Watch for signs of infection: redness, swelling, or pus.
Conclusion
Skin tags are something everyone experiences to some degree, especially as we get older. If you’re safe approach to remove them, natural alternatives like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar and garlic can all be low-cost and gentle options to try for removal at home.
As with all natural treatments, consistency and patience are vital. Always listen to your body; if a remedy is uncomfortable and causes pain you might want to refrain from applying it. As always, when unsure feel free to consult your healthcare practitioner for more information and reassurance.
With a little time and the right application, you can treat skin tags naturally and achieve smooth and healthy skin.
