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Skin tags are small, round, raised patches of skin that appear in various areas of the body. These skin tags are typically painless and do not pose any significant health risks. Most doctors suggest not removing them unless you wish to get rid of them. If you want to remove them, you can consult a doctor to discuss methods such as cauterization. Alternatively, you can apply essential oils or natural mixtures to help the skin tags dry up and fall off.
Steps
Consult a professional medical method to remove skin tags
Visit a dermatologist. While most skin tags are harmless, it’s best to visit a dermatologist if you notice that a skin tag is darker than your skin color, larger in size, or has an unusual shape. Attempting to remove skin tags without consulting a doctor can be time-consuming and may indicate a more serious issue.
- Skin tags typically do not change color significantly. If this happens, it’s essential to consult with a dermatologist. The doctor may remove the skin tag and send it for testing if there are any concerns.
Ask a doctor to remove the skin tag. The doctor will numb the area with a cream and use a scalpel to cut the skin tag from the skin. The doctor may also use sharp medical scissors to separate the skin tag. This cutting procedure is relatively quick and painless.
Request the doctor to freeze the skin tag. During your visit, the doctor will use a probe to apply a small amount of liquid nitrogen to the skin tag. This freezing procedure is also used to remove warts. After being frozen, the skin tag will fall off.
Ask the doctor to cauterize the skin tag. During the cauterization process, the doctor will use a small probe to direct heat directly to the skin's surface. The heat generated from the electrical current will burn and remove the skin tag quickly and easily.
Request the doctor to cut off the blood supply to the skin tag. In this ligation method, the doctor will tie a small band at the base of the skin tag. This blocks the blood flow to the tag, causing it to die and fall off. This process can take several days, depending on the size and location of the skin tag, and may be somewhat painful.
Recognize the benefits of professional medical care. While you may want to remove skin tags at home, a doctor's care offers numerous distinct advantages. The doctor will use sterilized equipment to prevent infection and apply anesthetic cream to reduce pain during and after removal. Some methods, like cauterization, rarely leave scars.
- Depending on the location, skin tags may need to be treated by a specialist. For example, skin tags near the eyes are often treated by an ophthalmologist (a specialist in eye care).
Leave the skin tag untreated. You may choose to leave the skin tag alone. If it doesn’t cause any issues, there’s no need to remove it. Generally, doctors recommend leaving it unless you specifically want to remove it.
- Insurance companies often consider skin tag removal as a cosmetic procedure and may not cover the costs. Therefore, check with your insurance provider to see if they cover skin tag removal expenses.
Use natural essential oils and home remedies to remove skin tags.
Apply Oregano oil. Mix 2-3 drops of Oregano oil with 4-6 drops of coconut oil. Dip a clean cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to the skin tag 2-3 times a day. It may take about a month for this method to show results.
- Be cautious when using natural oils like Oregano, as they can cause skin irritation. Stop using the oil if redness occurs. Also, avoid applying it near the eye area.
Apply Tea Tree oil. Known for its antifungal properties, this oil can be used by soaking a clean cotton pad in water, then adding 3 drops of tea tree oil. Apply the cotton pad to the skin tag and the surrounding skin about 2.5 cm away. Repeat this process 3 times a day. Consistent use will help dry out the skin tag.
- Always dip the cotton pad in water to reduce the risk of skin irritation, including on your fingers. Alternatively, you can dilute tea tree oil with olive oil.
- Some people recommend covering the skin tag with a bandage until it dries and falls off.
- Be cautious when treating skin tags near the eyes, as the oil can irritate the skin.
Apply Aloe Vera. You can cut a piece of aloe vera, squeeze out the gel, or purchase aloe vera gel from stores. Dip a cotton swab into the gel and apply it to the skin tag as often as you like. This method leverages aloe vera’s natural healing properties, though its effectiveness isn’t guaranteed.
Apply castor oil mixture. Mix castor oil and baking soda in a bowl until the mixture becomes thick. Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to the skin tag. You can apply it as many times as needed, but be cautious of any skin irritation. This method is supported by many natural therapy experts for its effectiveness.
Apply garlic mixture. Take a fresh garlic clove and crush it into a paste in a small bowl. Dip a cotton swab into the paste and apply a small amount to the skin tag. Use a bandage to cover the skin tag. Repeat once per day.
- Another method is to slice the garlic clove into thin pieces. Then, place one slice on top of the skin tag. Secure it with a bandage. Repeat this process every morning and remove the garlic and bandage by evening. The skin tag should fall off after a week.
Use apple cider vinegar treatment. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar until saturated. Dab the cotton ball onto the skin tag and leave it for a few minutes. You can also rub the cotton ball in a circular motion to enhance absorption. Repeat this process three times a day until the skin tag falls off. This method is quite effective.
- Apple cider vinegar treatment can cause itching on the skin. If it becomes uncomfortable, you can dilute the vinegar with a little water before applying it.
Use extracted juices to remove skin tags.
Apply dandelion stem juice. Prepare fresh dandelion and twist the stem from the root to the tip until the juice starts flowing. Place the juice on a cotton pad and apply it to the skin tag. Do this up to four times a day. The juice will dry out the skin tag, causing it to fall off.
- If you’re allergic to plants like dandelion, opt for another method to remove skin tags.
Apply fresh lemon juice. Lemons are highly acidic and known for their disinfecting properties. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl, dip a cotton ball into the juice, and apply it directly to the wart. Repeat the process three times daily. The lemon juice will take effect after several applications.
Use fig tree stem juice. Take a handful of fresh figs and cut the stems. Crush the stems in a small bowl to extract the juice. Dip a cotton ball into the juice and apply it to the wart up to four times a day. The wart should fall off within four weeks.
- Despite anecdotal evidence, the effectiveness of this method is difficult to evaluate.
Apply pineapple juice. You can either buy bottled pineapple juice or extract fresh juice from a pineapple. Dip a cotton ball into the juice and apply it to the wart up to three times daily. After about a week, you will notice the wart slowly disappearing.
- The effectiveness of this method depends on how your skin reacts to the acidic nature of pineapple juice.
Try a more thorough method for wart removal
Apply clear nail polish to the wart. Prepare a bottle of clear nail polish and apply a thin coat to the wart at least twice a day. Ensure the wart is fully covered with the polish. Over time, the wart will begin to fall off the skin.
Use tape to dry out skin tags. Cut a piece of tape with a diameter of 2.5 cm and apply it directly to the skin tag. Let the tape work on drying out the skin tag until it eventually falls off. You can replace the tape every day. This method usually takes about 10 days to show results.
Bind the skin tag. You can use a piece of fishing line, dental floss, or thin cotton thread. Wrap the string tightly around the base of the skin tag where it touches the skin. Make sure it's snug, but not painful. Cut off any excess string and leave it in place. Due to restricted blood circulation, the skin tag will fall off. This method is similar to the way doctors use sterilized tools to perform the procedure.
- The skin tag may change color when using this method, which is normal due to the lack of blood flow.
- Be cautious when using this method. Ensure you are cutting off blood supply to the skin tag only, not the surrounding skin. If you feel pain, stop and consult a doctor.
Do not cut skin tags at home. Cutting a skin tag yourself can significantly increase the risk of infection and bleeding. Even small skin tags can bleed and require professional medical attention. Additionally, removing skin tags at home can result in scars or discoloration of the skin.
Try over-the-counter medications. There are several over-the-counter products that claim to remove skin tags after 1-2 applications. Dr. Scholl’s Freeze Away is a product that freezes the skin tag, causing it to fall off. This method is effective if used carefully.
- Always follow the instructions on the product label to avoid damaging the surrounding skin, which may result in scars or skin discoloration.
Advice
- In English medical terminology, skin tags are also known as Cutaneous Papilloma, Cutaneous Tag, and Templeton Skin Tag.
- Sometimes, warts can resemble skin tags, and vice versa. To differentiate the two, note that skin tags have a smoother surface, protrude from the skin, and are non-contagious.
- Interestingly, dogs can also develop skin tags. Always consult a veterinarian before attempting to remove a skin tag from a dog at home.
Warning
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water before touching or treating skin tags. Attempting to remove a skin tag at home can increase the risk of infection.
