Remove skin tags through various surgical options such as cryosurgery. Additionally, several at-home remedies and over-the-counter products can help dry out and facilitate the falling off of skin tags.
Skin tags typically develop in skin folds of the neck, armpits, breasts, groin area, and eyelids. These growths consist of loose collagen fibers lodged inside thicker areas of the skin.
According to Kemunto Mokaya, MD, skin tags are highly prevalent, affecting nearly half of the population. They are more common among older adults, individuals who are overweight, and those with diabetes.
While skin tags are generally harmless, they can become painful if snagged by jewelry or clothing. For individuals seeking relief from these growths, various options are available, including home remedies, over-the-counter products, and surgical procedures.
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Home Remedies to Remove Skin Tags
Skin tags don’t usually require treatment or a visit to the doctor. If you choose to remove a tag, it may be possible to do so with products already in your medicine cabinet or kitchen. Most at-home remedies involve drying out the skin tag until it shrinks in size and falls off.
Be Careful!
It’s important to note that these home remedies will always take longer to produce results than surgical procedures. Never try to take a shortcut by cutting off a skin tag yourself — this can easily result in infection and bleeding.
Remove Skin Tags by using Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, which has antiviral and antifungal properties, is safe to use on the skin when diluted in a carrier oil. First, wash the affected area. Then, using a Q-tip or cotton swab, gently massage the oil over the skin tag. Place a bandage over the area overnight. Repeat this treatment for several nights until the tag dries out and falls off.
Remove Skin Tags by using Banana Peel
Don’t toss away your old banana peels, especially if you have a skin tag. The peel of a banana can also help dry out a skin tag, possibly due to the antioxidant properties found in them. Place a piece of banana peel over the tag and cover it with a bandage. Do this nightly until the tag falls off.
Remove Skin Tags by using Apple Cider Vinegar
Soak a cotton swab in apple cider vinegar and place the cotton swab over the skin tag. Wrap the section in a bandage for 15 to 30 minutes, and then wash the skin. Repeat daily for a couple of weeks. The acidity of apple cider vinegar breaks down the tissue surrounding the skin tag, causing it to fall off.
Remove Skin Tags by using Vitamin E
Aging may contribute to skin tags. Since vitamin E is an antioxidant that fights wrinkles and keeps the skin healthy, applying liquid vitamin E over a skin tag may cause the growth to vanish in a couple of days. Simply massage the oil over the tag and surrounding skin until it falls off.
Remove Skin Tags by using Garlic
Garlic helps improve the appearance of skin by reducing inflammation. To naturally get rid of a skin tag, apply crushed garlic over the tag, and then cover the area with a bandage overnight. Wash the area in the morning. Repeat until the skin tag shrinks and disappears.
Over-the-Counter Products to Remove Skin Tags
Along with home remedies, several over-the-counter (OTC) products available at grocery and drugstores can safely remove skin tags.
Freezing kits utilize cryotherapy, which involves the use of extremely low temperatures to destroy unwanted skin tissue. According to Mokaya, “Benign lesions, like skin tags, require temperatures of −4°F to −58°F to destroy them.” She recommends choosing an OTC wart or skin tag removal kit that reaches these low temperatures when used correctly. While removal creams and cryotherapy can cause irritation and contact dermatitis, they remain effective for short-term use.
When to See a Doctor
Other skin conditions, such as warts and moles, can resemble skin tags. Since some moles may be cancerous, it’s crucial to have your skin tags examined by a doctor. Your dermatologist or family doctor can diagnose skin tags through an in-person visual exam or telehealth consultation.
Most skin tags are noncancerous growths. However, if a skin tag appears atypical or suspicious, your doctor may recommend a biopsy as a precautionary measure.
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Surgical Procedures to Remove Skin Tags
Surgical removal of skin tags is a common outpatient procedure. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, your doctor may perform one of the following procedures, depending on the size and location of the skin tag:
– Cauterization: Your doctor uses heat to remove the skin tag.
– Cryosurgery: Your doctor sprays a small amount of liquid nitrogen over the skin tag, freezing off the growth.
– Electrocautery: Your doctor burns the skin tag off with a specialized electric current.
– Ligation: Skin tags can sometimes be removed by cutting off the blood flow with surgical thread.
– Surgery: Your doctor snips off the skin tag at its base with surgical scissors. Bandages or stitches may be necessary based on the size and location of the skin tag.
Removal Aftercare Tips
Infections and complications are rare after skin tag removal. However, some people may develop a scar, which usually fades over time.
– At-Home Removal: If removing a skin tag at home, apply antibiotic ointment to the area and cover it with a bandage to reduce the risk of infection. Seek medical attention if the area becomes painful or bleeds.
– Medical Procedure: If you undergo a medical procedure to remove a skin tag, follow your doctor’s instructions. This may include keeping the wound dry for at least 48 hours, followed by gentle washing with soap and water. Your doctor may schedule a follow-up appointment to check the wound and remove any stitches if necessary.
