10 Home Remedies To Remove Skin Tags

10 Home Remedies To Remove Skin Tags

What is a Skin Tag?

Skin tags are known by many names such as acrochordon, cutaneous papilloma, fibroepithelial polyp, soft fibroma, Templeton skin tag. A skin tag is a small flap or a piece of hanging skin. Even though they are non-cancerous, they are still annoying to have and not very aesthetically pleasing. The skin tag itself is composed of nerves, fat cells, fibers, ducts, and an epidermis covering. Because of this they usually do not fall off. They are pretty common and it is said that almost everyone will develop one at once in their lifetime. So if you have one you’re in pretty good company. In fact, the National Institutes of Health has found that around 46% of people have skin tags.

What causes a Skin Tag?

Certain people are more susceptible to skin tags than others. But a lot of dermatologists believe that skin tags are mainly caused by the rubbing of the skin. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop skin tags. This is mainly due to the fact skin tags usually occurs in skin folds and creases. Pregnant women are also likely to get skin tags, as well as people who have diabetes. People with HPV also have a higher probability of having skin tags and vice versa. Skin tags are also associated with the following: illegal steroid use, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, or genetics.

How to get Rid of Skin Tags?

If the idea of having your skin tag burned off, frozen off with a probe, or having the blood supply to the skin tag stopped, or being cut out is too scary there are alternatives.

1- Use wart-removal solutions –

These can be bought at the pharmacy. Some examples of the more popular options include Dr. Scholls Freeze Away, Terrasil Wart Treatment, and H-Warts Formula. These treatments freeze the skin tag within 7 to 10 days.

2- Cut off the skin tag –

If the skin tag is small enough you could try scratching it off. If it’s too big to scratch off you could still use a pair of scissors, scalpel, or a nail clipper to remove it. But this can cause the area to become infections. Make use to properly clean everything before you being and after you finish. A good idea would be to use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, boiling water to clean the utensils before use. It’s also a good idea to disinfect the area beforehand and numbing it with ice cubes. After the cut is done properly clean the area and apply pressure to stop the blood. Use salt to prevent infection if needed.

3 Garlic – 

This will sting a bit so it’s best to take a clove and cut it into slices before applying to the skin tag. Press it on the skin tag for a few minutes and wash afterwards. If you are going to be staying home all day take a piece of garlic and tape or bandage it on for the whole day. Replace the slices as needed and remove before bedtime.

4 Castor Oil and Baking soda –

A lot of bleaching agents like baking soda will help make the skin tags come off. Use some castor oil and baking soda and mix to make a paste. Use twice a day until it shrinks and falls off.

5 Tea Tree Oil –

If you like using essential oils more this might be a better solution for you. Apply a bit of tea tree oil twice a day. Dilute the oil with water if your skin is more sensitive.

6 Aspirin –

Aspirin is known for being very powerful and acidic. Try using one tablet and crushing it into a smooth powder. Apply the power with a bit of water to the skin twice a day. For faster results leave the mixture on the skin tag.

7 Lemon Juice –

Use a cotton ball and get some juice from the lemon and apply directly on the skin tag. Press it on for a few minutes and repeat two a day. Lemon is known for having acidic properties which will dry up the skin tag and remove it naturally.

8 Nail Polish –

Take some nail polish and cover the skin tag completely and allow it to dry. Repeat twice a day. This is a form of asphyxia which means that you would deprive the skin tag of oxygen. This would make the skin tag to shrink and fall off on its own.

9 Dental Floss – 

Similar to the way that you would remove a loose tooth except there is no pulling required. The tooth floss would be tightly wrapped around the skin tag and tied around the base. The tightness of the floss would block blood flow to the area and essentially cause the skin tag to die and fall off in 2-3 weeks time.

10 Aloe Vera Gel –

Aloe Vera is known for being amazing for the skin. Use it on the area every day. For faster results, it would be a good idea to combine Aloe Vera Gel with black walnut hull. Once they have mixed apply directly to the area and repeat twice a day.