Skin tags are soft, non-cancerous skin growths that may appear on various parts of the body. These are caused when the skin is rubbed against skin. Skin tags usually occur on eyelids, neck, arms, lower part of the breast, and armpits. Skin tags can often be treated using home remedies for skin tags.
These fleshy outgrowths are very small in size and appear deformed in shape. Scientifically, skin tags are called achrochordon. Skin tags can occur both in men and women.
Instead of rushing to the doctor, skin tags can be easily removed at home by trying out some simple home remedies.
Skin Tags vs. Warts
You may be wondering if the growth on your skin is a wart or a skin tag. The main difference between warts and skin tags is that warts are contagious growths and can spread to other areas of the skin while skin tags can’t.
Warts have a more rough and irregular surface while skin tags are smooth. You can differentiate your skin tag from warts or moles by its pedestal base causing it to dangle from the skin's surface.
There is some overlap in natural home remedies for skin tags and warts.
Skin Tag Causes
Skin tags are caused due to the accumulation of blood vessels and collagen in the thicker parts of the skin.
This is mainly caused from rubbing of skin, which mainly occurs in skin folds and creases. Skin tags are mostly caused to people who suffer from:
Skin Tag Symptoms
The symptoms of skin tag are:
Video: How to Remove Skin Tags
Home Remedies for Skin Tags: Easy Removal
Try these natural and safe options for removing skin tags at home. These remedies can be used without seeing a doctor.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the best natural methods for skin tag removal at home. Soak a cotton ball in water and then, put at least 2-3 drops of tea tree oil on it.
Now, lightly rub it over the skin tag in circular motions. Repeat this daily at least twice a day for about a week until the skin tag completely vanishes.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
This is one of the best home remedies for skin tags on the neck. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it over the skin tag. Use this remedy for about a month for complete removal of skin tag.
3. Onion Juice
Cut an onion, and leave it overnight in a vessel containing some salt. Extract the juice from it the next morning. Apply this juice every night on the skin tag for at least 10-12 days. It will completely remove the tag.
4. Castor Oil & Baking Soda
This is an easy home remedies for skin tags option. Mix baking soda and castor oil to form a thick paste. Apply this paste on the skin tag and cover it. Leave it for a night. Wash it with warm water the next morning. Repeat this process for about 10 days until the tag totally vanishes.
5. Pineapple Juice
This is one of the simplest options for home remedies for skin tags. Apply pineapple juice every day at least 2-3 times, but don’t rinse it off. Repeat it for at least 10 days, until the skin tag is completely scraped off.
6. Garlic
Apply garlic juice over the skin tag at least 2 times a day. But, make sure you change the garlic every time you put it on the skin tag.
7. Nail Polish
Nail polish is also a good option for home remedies for skin tags. Cover the skin tag with nail polish, and let it dry. Repeat it for 2-3 times a day for a few days until the tag completely fades off from the skin.
8. Aloe Vera
Apply aloe vera juice and gently massage it on your skin tag. Repeat daily. This is a good option for home remedies for skin tags as it will help in eliminating the skin tag in a few days.
9. Lemon Juice
Soak a cotton ball in lemon juice and apply it over the skin tag. Repeat this remedy for a few days until the outgrowths completely vanishes.
10. Banana Peel
Cut a small piece of banana peel and place the inside part of it over the skin tag. Cover it firmly with gauze, and leave it overnight. Repeat this remedy daily until the skin tags fall off.
11. Duct Tape
Stick duct tape to the skin tag for a continuous period of 10-12 days until the skin tag is completely removed. This is an effective home remedy for skin tags.
12. Tying off Skin Tags
This is a common home remedy for skin tags. Tie a thread or a dental floss a bit tightly around the skin tag. Now, cut the skin tag by using a nail cutter or scissors. This might sound painful to you, but it is not so. After removing the skin tag, apply an antibacterial cream over the area.
Note - Use a sterile nail cutter or scissors to cut the tags.
13. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is a powerful antioxidant making it useful in the removal of skin tags. Cover the tag with vitamin E oil and then cover the tag with a band-aid. Essential oils are gaining popularity for various skin conditions including skin tags.. Repeat this procedure until the tag is completely gone.
14. Ginger
You can also rub raw ginger on the skin tag. If repeated regularly for about 2 weeks, this remedy will help remove the skin tag permanently.
15. Fenugreek
Soak some fenugreek seeds in water for a night. Drink this water on an empty stomach, the next morning. Fenugreek is one of the best home remedies for the removal of skin tags.
16. Vegetable Juices
Mash a potato and a garlic clove. Chop some cauliflower. Extract the juices of all three and mix. Apply it on the skin tag. Keep applying this juice for a few days every night, until the skin tag completely vanishes.
You can also put a dab of any of these vegetables on the tag in the night and wrap it with the bandage. Remove it in the morning. Practice it till the tag falls off.
17. Essential Oils
Essential oils are gaining popularity for various skin conditions including skin tags.
Mix 8 teaspoon of sesame essential oil with 1 teaspoon of oregano essential oil and ½ teaspoon of basil essential oil.
Now, soak a cotton ball in this mixture and apply it on the skin tag. Let it be for 30 minutes, and then, wash it off with water.
Use this remedy once in a day until you get rid of the skin tag from eyelids or face. You can also apply a combination of lime essential oil and avocado oil.
18. Potato
Place a slice of potato over the skin tag and cover it with a bandage. Potato helps to dry off the skin tag while removing it in a few days.
19. Dandelion Root
Apply the juice of dandelion root on the skin tag. Repeat the process for a few days until the lesion completely scrape off.
20. Aspirin
Dissolve an aspirin in a little bit of water. Now, apply this solution on the skin tag. This will dry the skin tag and let it fade off from the skin.
Bonus: Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains lauric acid which has many antibacterial properties. Rub coconut oil into your skin tag in a circular motion at least once a day for two to three weeks to see results. Coconut oil is a very gentle and natural skin tag removal home remedy making it a good option for removing skin tags in sensitive areas.
Anal Skin Tag Removal Ways
Anal skin tags or perianal skin tags is nothing but skin tags around the anus. These skin tags are not painful, though it may be slightly itchy.
Skin tags on anus can only be treated with the help of a doctor, but first it should be confirmed that it is a skin tag, and not a tag caused due to hemorrhoid.
It is difficult to remove anal skin tags using natural home remedies. It is not recommended to even try the cutting method because the area around the anus has more blood circulation.
Therefore, it may become difficult to stop the bleeding from the anal area if cutting method is used.
So, anal skin tags can be safely removed with the help of a doctor. The doctor will freeze the tag by liquid nitrogen, leading it to dry and ultimately fall off from the skin.
This method is also used for hemorrhoid skin tag removal as well as for rectal skin tags.
Skin Tag Removal Products
Several skin tag removal creams are also available in the market. If applied topically, these skin tag ointments are effective in removing the skin tags from the skin.
One such skin tag removal product is DermaTend Mole & Skin Tag Remover, which is 100% safe as it is made up of natural herbs.
Apart from these, other types of natural skin tag remover are ‘Tag Away Skin Tag Remover’ and ‘Skinhale Skin Tag Remover’ and ‘Revitol Skin Tag Remover’.
Homeopathic Remedies for Skin Tags
Homeopathy is one of the most effective home remedies for skin tags. The most reliable homeopathic medicines are:
1. Thuja : This remedy is helpful in treating skin tags, especially on genitals and anus.
2. Causticum : This is especially effective for removing skin tags on hands, eyelids and face. It is usually useful in treating skin tags that bleed.
3. Antim Crudum : This is especially used in treating hard skin tags, which mostly occur on hands and soles of the feet.
Other homeopathic remedies include Cinnabaris, Staphysagria and Dulcamara.
Surgical Procedures to Remove Skin Tags
Some people may not feel comfortable with removing skin tags themselves, which is completely understandable. In this case, you should see your doctor or dermatologist. When you choose this route, expect him or her to numb the area with local anesthesia and perform one of the following procedures:
Cryosurgery
With cryosurgery, a small amount of liquid nitrogen will be sprayed onto the area. This will freeze the skin tag right off.
Cauterization
With cauterization, your doctor will apply heat to remove the growth.
Surgery
With surgery, the doctor will cut off the growth from the base of it. They will use surgical scissors to perform this procedure. Depending on the size and location of the skin tag, you may need stitches.
Aftercare With Skin Tag Removal
Whether you choose one of the home remedies for skin tags or a surgical method, you will need to take care of the skin area afterward. When you remove a skin tag, it's unlikely that you'll experience any complications or infections.
However, it's possible that you'll end up with a scar, but it may disappear after some time.
When you remove a skin tag, be sure to apply an antibiotic ointment to the area just as a measure of precaution. This will lessen the risk of any infection.
If you experience any blood or pain once you remove a skin tag yourself, be sure to see your doctor.
Likewise, if you have a procedure to remove your skin tag, you should follow your doctor's instructions for care. They may instruct you to keep the area dry for 48 hours and then gently wash it with soap and water.
Additionally, you may be required to schedule a follow-up appointment with the doctor so that they can assess the wound and remove any stitches.
How to prevent skin tags?
James Beattie
