Skin tags are small benign skin growths or fleshy growths, often in the neck, armpits and groin. They are harmless but can be unsightly or annoying for some people. While there are medical procedures to remove skin tags, there are also natural remedies that you can try at home.
The exact cause of skin tags is unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development:
It's important to note that these home remedies have no or little scientific evidence and more research is required to support that they can work. If you have a lot of skin tags or if your skin tags bother you, it's best to consult a skin doctor.
Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for various skin issues, including skin tags. The idea behind using ACV for skin tag removal is based on its acidity. Proponents believe that applying ACV to skin tags can break down the tissue over time, eventually causing it to fall off.
To use, soak a cotton ball in it and apply it to the affected area. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with water. Try repeating this a few times a day until the skin tag falls off.
Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties that could potentially help remove skin tags. It works by drying out the skin tag, causing it to eventually fall off.
To use tea tree oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply it to the skin tag. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat this twice a day until the skin tag disappears.
Garlic is one of the popular methods on how to remove body tags naturally due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Allicin, a compound found in garlic, is particularly noted for these benefits. When a garlic clove is crushed or chopped, it releases this compound, which then combines with oxygen to form a powerful antioxidant.
To use garlic, crush a clove and apply it directly to the affected area. Cover with a bandage and leave it on overnight. Rinse off in the morning and repeat daily until the skin tag disappears.
Banana peels are often cited in home remedies for skin tag removal, although scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is lacking. The idea behind using banana peels for skin tag removal stems from their antioxidant properties and the presence of enzymes that could potentially help dissolve skin tags.
To use banana peel, cut a small piece and place it on the skin tag with the inside of the peel facing down. Cover with a bandage and leave it on overnight. Repeat this nightly until the skin tag falls off.
Aloe Vera is a plant that's known for its medicinal properties, especially when it comes to skincare. According to some studies, Aloe Vera is believed to assist in skin tag removal due to several active components found in its gel.
To use aloe vera, extract the gel from an aloe leaf and apply it directly to the skin tag. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with water. Repeat this twice a day until the skin tag disappears.
Vitamin E is often cited as a home remedy for skin tags due to its antioxidant properties and role in promoting skin health. However, there's limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for this specific use. It is said that vitamin E is an antioxidant that fights wrinkles, keeps the skin healthy and may potentially aid in the removal of skin tags. The idea is that by applying liquid vitamin E on a skin tag and the surrounding area, sometimes the growth will dry up and fall off within a couple of weeks.
To use vitamin E, puncture a capsule and apply the oil directly to the skin tag. Cover with a bandage and leave it on overnight. Repeat this nightly until the skin tag disappears.
Castor oil is often touted as a natural remedy for skin tags, though scientific evidence to support this use is limited. The belief in its effectiveness stems from several properties of castor oil:
To use castor oil, mix it with baking soda to form a paste and apply it to the affected area. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with water. Repeat this daily until the skin tag falls off.
Tying a string around a skin tag is a common ways on how to remove skin tags naturally. The method involves using a piece of string, thread, or dental floss to tie off the skin tag at its base. The idea is to cut off the blood supply to the skin tag, causing it to eventually fall off.
Here's the general process:
While this method can work, it's important to note that it should be done carefully to avoid complications such as infection or scarring. Furthermore, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before attempting any home remedies for skin tag removal. Some skin tags, especially larger ones, may require professional medical treatment
While skin tags are not cancerous, they can sometimes resemble other skin conditions, including types of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It's extremely rare for a skin tag to become precancerous or cancerous, but here are some instances when you should consult with a healthcare provider:
Freezing kits can be used as a treatment for skin tags. These kits, often called cryotherapy kits, use extreme cold to destroy the skin tag tissue, causing the skin tag to fall off. They are designed to be easy to use at home, but it's important to follow the instructions closely to avoid damaging the surrounding skin.
It's also advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially if the skin tag is in a sensitive area or you have any underlying health conditions.
This skin tag removal method uses an electric probe or needle to burn off the skin tag. It's a common method used by plastic surgeons for removing skin tags.
The doctor uses a tool with an electrically heated tip. This tool is touched to the skin tag, effectively burning it off. The heat also helps to cauterize or seal the wound, which can minimize bleeding.
Skin doctors use sterile surgical scissors or a blade to remove the skin tag after numbing the area. The doctor then applies a solution to stop any bleeding.
Radiofrequency cautery, also known as radio wave surgery, is a procedure that utilizes radio waves to remove skin tags. The high-frequency energy from the radio waves heats and destroys the tissue of the skin tag, allowing for precise removal with minimal scarring. Small skin tags can be gripped with toothed forceps and excised from the base with a wire loop electrode.
One of the advantages of this method is that it can seal the skin tissues and nerve endings at a lower temperature compared to other methods, which can help protect the skin and reduce post-treatment discomfort. After the procedure, there is typically no downtime, allowing patients to resume their normal activities immediately. However, like any medical procedure, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before deciding on treatment
Cryosurgery, also known as cryotherapy, is a common and effective method used to remove skin tags. The procedure employs the use of extreme cold, typically generated by liquid nitrogen, to freeze and destroy the skin tag.
Here's how it generally works:
It's important to note that while cryosurgery is generally safe and effective for removing skin tags, it may require multiple sessions, especially for larger skin tags. It can also cause minor side effects like temporary pain, blistering, and changes in skin color at the site of treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider before deciding on any form of treatment.
Lasers are a common and effective tool used for removing skin tags. They work by emitting an intense beam of light that heats and destroys the skin tag, particularly focusing on the peduncle, or stem, of the skin tag. Different types of lasers can be used for this procedure.
At The Minor Surgery Center, we offer safe, professional skin tag removal services using various methods.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in minor surgeries for hand and skin, including skin tags. With the latest technology and techniques, we can help you get rid of your skin tags safely and efficiently, with minimal scarring.
Book a consultation today to find out which method is right for you!
