Medically known as acrochorda, skin tags are small, soft skin outgrowths that hang off the skin by a connecting stalk known as a peduncle. These bits of excessive skin may sprout on various parts of the body and are usually benign, harmless, and painless.
For all intents and purposes, skin tags have primarily emerged as a cosmetic problem. Despite not having any hazardous ramifications for your health in general, these unsightly papules can be a cause of concern just the same.
Skin tags are typically flesh colored and may be smooth or wrinkled. They are composed of blood vessels and loose collagen fibers surrounded by skin. Although these wart-like polyps can show up anywhere on the body, they are mostly found in areas where the skin repeatedly rubs against itself.
As overweight or obese people tend to have excessive skin folds, they are particularly vulnerable to this condition. The typical problem areas include the armpits, eyelids, neck, thighs, under the breasts, chest, and groin.
# Use Dental FlossDental floss can be used to remove small skin tags with a very narrow base. In fact, it is the easiest method that you can try at home, and it can even help you remove any skin tags on your neck.
The theory is that when you tie off the skin tag at the stalk, you cut off the blood flow. Without blood flow, the skin tag will dry out and soon fall off.
- Wash your skin with mild soap and then pat it dry.
- Wipe some rubbing alcohol on your skin.
- Tie a piece of dental floss as tightly as you can around the bottom of the stalk of the skin tag.
- Cover the skin tag with a bandage.
- Each day, sterilize the area with rubbing alcohol and change the bandage.
- Within 1 to 2 weeks, the tag will wither and fall off.
# Apply Apple Cider VinegarApple cider vinegar is the best home remedy for skin tags. The acid in apple cider vinegar breaks down the excess cells in the skin tag and naturally removes them.
- Dip a cotton swab in apple cider vinegar and apply it directly on the skin tag. There will be a stinging sensation for a few minutes that will soon stop.
- Leave it on for 3 or 4 hours, and then wash it off with warm water.
- Follow this remedy at least three times daily for 2 to 4 weeks to eliminate the tags.
# Tea Tree Oil can be BeneficialBeing very acidic in nature, tea tree oil is also a good remedy for skin tags. This oil will dry out the skin tag, and gradually it will fall off on its own without any pain. Plus, the antiseptic property of tea tree oil will protect the skin after the tag has been removed.
- Dip a cotton ball in water and squeeze out the excess water.
- Put three or four drops of tea tree oil on the wet cotton ball.
- Rub the cotton ball over the skin tag, massaging it gently in circular motions.
- Leave it on for a few hours before washing it off.
- Repeat this three times daily for a few weeks or until the skin tag vanishes.
# Apply Castor Oil and Baking Soda PasteCastor oil is another effective home remedy to remove skin tags. This oil helps dissolve and eliminate unusual skin growths without leaving a scar. Plus, it is loaded with many nutrients that help keep your skin healthy.
- Prepare a paste by mixing two parts castor oil with one part baking soda.
- Optionally, you can add a few drops of lemon oil or peppermint oil to the paste.
- Apply this paste on the skin tag.
- Cover it with a bandage and leave it on overnight.
- The next morning, wash it off with warm water.
- Repeat this daily for about 2 weeks or until the tag is gone.
# Smear Garlic Paste on Your TagFresh garlic can help treat a number of skin conditions including skin tags. It is believed that the enzymes present in garlic help shrink skin tags naturally.
- Crush a few garlic cloves to make a paste.
- Apply this paste on the skin tags.
- Cover it with a bandage and leave it on overnight.
- The next morning, wash the area with warm water.
- Repeat this daily for a few days until the skin tag comes off.
# Vitamin E Oil can HelpVitamin E oil is known for its antioxidant properties and skin-regeneration potential. This is why vitamin E oil is considered one of the best treatments for removing skin tags.
- Break open a vitamin E capsule to extract pure oil.
- Apply a thin layer of the oil on the skin tag.
- Cover the area with a bandage and leave it on overnight.
- The next morning, reapply vitamin E oil and apply a new bandage.
- Before going to bed, reapply.
- For best results, do this repeatedly for 10 days.
# Treat the Tag with IodineIodine is a chemical element that helps deal with growths of skin, such as skin tags. When applied to a skin tag, it helps break down the built-up skin cells, which ultimately causes it to safely fall off.
For skin tags, use liquid iodine, which you can easily get in your grocery store or drugstore.
- Clean your skin with mild soap.
- First, protect the surrounding skin by applying petroleum jelly or coconut oil to the area.
- Dip a cotton swab in liquid iodine.
- Apply it directly to your skin tag, avoiding the healthy skin around it.
- Cover it with a bandage.
- Do it once daily until the skin tag falls off.