Skin tags are a very common skin condition in both children and adults. They are those little benign growths – harmless growths – without a blood supply, that are flaps or folds of skin commonly found in sensitive areas such as the groin area, face, neck, underarms, and around the breasts. The affected area can have pesky skin tags from tiny to large skin tags. Any parts of the body where there is friction with the surrounding skin with sensitive skin is a candidate
What Is The Cause Of Skin Tags?
There is a range of reasons for the development of skin tags – where these benign lesions occur. Contributing factors such as hormonal changes or weight gain play a role. These skin growths occur mainly because of the constant friction of skin against skin, skin against clothing, or skin against jewelry. Fortunately, skin tags are harmless and painless. They are also usually benign.
Removed Skin Tags Can Grow Back
It’s important to note that while all of the below removal tips will help you to remove the pesky skin tag, they can and sometimes do grow back. While there is no magic formula to remove them once and for all, there are some basic steps you can take to prevent their return. See how to prevent skin tags for more detail.
One Option Is To Ignore Them
One can choose to leave them untreated and still have a normal and healthy life.
The only downside is that they look unsightly and can be quite annoying when shaving or applying make-up.
If you want to remove them but are too scared to attempt to get rid of them yourself, you can go and visit a healthcare provider to have what is a tiny medical procedure. If you have any concerns that they are more than regular small skin tags,it is time for the healthcare professionals to get involved. Get professional medical advice for anything like existing skin problems, human papillomavirus or any medical condition that you need additional advice on.
But if it is a straightforward case of small skin tags on your skin surface, you can remove those unsightly skin tags with the following natural remedies and methods which you do in the privacy of your own home. Some are more effective treatments than others. You may need to experiment to find the best option for you.
Skin Tag Removal Using Tea Tree Oil
Because of tea tree oil’s naturally antibacterial and antiseptic properties, it’s also one of the most effective home remedies for skin tags. With the frequent application, you will notice your skin tags change in color. They will harden up, a sign that they are drying, and then eventually just fall off from your skin. Removing skin tags with tea tree oil is definitely an effective and painless way to remove those unsightly bumps on your neck, your face, or your underarms.
To use tea tree oil on your skin tag, just dip a cotton ball in the water. Squeeze out the excess water, and then add 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil. Apply it to the affected areas and do this thrice a day.
Tea tree oil helps in drying up the skin tag in just a matter of days. If your skin is not sensitive to the oil, you can directly apply it on the skin tag for faster and more visible results.
Skin Tag Removal Using String
Perhaps the easiest and most tried and tested skin tag removal method which you can do at home is skin tag removal with string. It’s inexpensive and relatively painless, and skin tags are guaranteed to be gone in just a few days.
All you need is take a piece of strong string, like dental floss, and tie it around your skin tags. Tie it tightly enough so that it cuts off the blood circulation on the skin tags, but not too tight that it feels painful or uncomfortable. Remember that you don’t want to draw blood as the skin tag may become infected.
Make sure that the skin tag area is always clean. Sanitize it with a cotton ball soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Check the skin tag every day. It should get smaller, darker, and harder. These are signs that the skin tag is drying up and ready to fall off.
Skin Tag Removal Using Apple Cider Vinegar
It’s one of the best home remedies for removing skin tags. Apple cider vinegar is available in most stores, and it’s very affordable. Its acidic properties are very effective in drying the tissues which causes skin tags to develop.
It’s also a natural cure that’s safe and gentle on the skin, so you don’t have to worry about skin irritation or allergies. What it does is destroy the skin tag by drying it and penetrating deep through the tissue to ensure that the skin tag does not grow back.
Just dip a cotton ball in some apple cider vinegar and apply it to the skin tags that you wish to remove. It’s recommended that you do this method at least twice a day until the skin tags disappear.
For more information, please see our apple cider vinegar skin tags guide.
Skin Tag Removal Using Castor Oil
Castor oil is a vegetable oil that is extracted from the castor bean. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of medical conditions, including skin growths. Castor oil is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may help to reduce the size and inflammation of skin growths. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of castor oil for this purpose.
Skin Tag Removal Using Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is helpful in removing dead skin cells and drying out smaller skin tags. You will notice that the skin tag begins to decompose slowly after applying lemon juice daily for a couple of weeks. Make sure you squeeze fresh lemon juice to use.
Skin Tag Removal Using Revitol’s Solution
Revitol is an all-natural homeopathic topical skin tag removal cream that removes skin tags naturally and painlessly. It boasts of natural ingredients derived from plant extracts, like sunflower oil, tea tree oil, and soybean oil, plus the pure and potent essential oil called Thuja occidentalis.
Even in its diluted form, Thuja occidentalis is a powerful remedy against skin tags, effectively targeting and penetrating the tissues. Revitol is gentle on the skin, promising no harmful side effects or allergic reactions. It works great on all types of skin and can remove your skin tags in as short as 7 days.
Apply Revitol on the skin tag regularly, at least three times a day. The solution has a nice smell, so it feels like you’re just wearing a fragrant body oil. Results will vary as skin tags also differ in size and thickness. Pinhead-sized ones will discolor and harden in as short as five days. Keep applying the solution until the skin tags just fall off on their own.
Skin Tag Removal Using Freezing Kit
Another way to permanently remove skin tags is by using a freezing kit. If in the past only doctors can perform this procedure, now you can purchase skin tag freezing kits and remove the skin tags yourself right at home.
Freezing is more commonly known as cryotherapy, and it makes use of liquid nitrogen to effectively kill and freeze the skin tag growth on contact. Freezing kits usually contain the freezing substance inside a specially built canister with a nozzle, which you place directly on the skin tag. Freezing skin tags takes seconds, but results will only be visible after a week or so, depending on the skin tag.
Some side effects that can occur include redness or blistering, but it will disappear together with the skin tag as it heals and falls off.