Skin tags, the benign, flesh-colored skin that hangs on the surface of your skin, may start to appear as you age.
In fact, according to a study, up to 60% of adults may experience having one skin tag in their lifetime.
Although these are noncancerous and cannot turn into one, they might still require you to remove them, especially when they start appearing on your face.
Moreover, going to a specialist and having these skin tags be treated may cost some amount of money.
Fortunately, there are different home remedies for skin tags and in this article, you will be able to learn what these techniques are and what cautions you must take note of while doing a home skin tag removal treatment.
How to Shrink Hemorrhoid Skin Tag Naturally
Let’s get started..
1) Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is made by using the leaves of the plant Melaleuca alternifolia. These leaves are soaked until an infusion is made.
According to a medically-reviewed study published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews, aside from treating sore throat, this oil is also used for treating common skin ailments, such as skin tags.
So, what is the proper way of using this oil for a skin tag?
First, wash skin with the skin tags.
Get a small cotton bud and pour a generous amount of the oil.
Apply it gently to the skin tag and cover it with a bandage and do this process every night until the skin tags fall off.
If you are allergic to tea tree oil, this technique might not be a great option for you.
Also, take note that tea tree oil must never be used on skin tags that are in the eye and genital areas.
2) Banana Peel
If you have skin tags, your banana peels at home might be helpful for you. So, after eating one, it is better not to throw them away!
How does this remove benign skin tags?
When you consistently cover your skin tag with a banana peel over a bandage, every night, your skin tag will start to dry out and it will fall on its own.
3) Apple Cider Vinegar
Vinegar has been used as a natural remedy in ancient times.
And, for the past few years, the health benefits of formulated vinegar called apple cider is seemingly becoming more popular.
Aside from the internal health benefits such as management of diabetes, apple cider can also help remove common skin growths as its acidic properties can break down the tissue surrounding the acrochordon.
To apply this technique to your skin tag, there is a need for you to soak a cotton swab in apple cider vinegar.
Then, place this cotton swab over the skin tag area and wrap it over a bandage.
Let it stay for up to 30 minutes.
After, wash the surrounding skin and repeat the process until the skin tag falls off.
Typically, the time to see its effects will take two weeks.
Lastly, just like the tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar must never be used on skin tags around the eye.
Because of its acidic property, it is possible for you to experience irritation that can lead to chemical burns.
4) Vitamin E
According to a medically-reviewed study published by the National Institute on Aging, as you grow older, you may start encountering skin growths in your body.
Usually, these acrochordons develop on your body folds such as neck, armpits, and eyelids.
So, to prevent a skin tag from appearing, daily use of vitamin E might be useful.
As we all know, vitamin E is a common antioxidant and it keeps your skin healthy.
But how about for those with skin growths already? Vitamin E would still help you get rid of skin tags.
All you have to do is to apply a liquid vitamin E over your skin tag.
Massage it then, and, typically, within a few weeks of time, the skin tag should fall off.
5) Garlic
According to a medically-reviewed study by some dermatologists in Iran, garlic has anti-inflammatory properties, and when you use it topically, it can be potentially effective in treating different skin problems such as skin tags.
Additionally, it also comes with anti-aging properties that can help you prevent acrochordons from appearing.
Either the actual fresh garlic or garlic extract will work for you in removing a skin tag.
To use this technique for your skin tag, the first thing you must do is wash the areas with a skin tag.
Then, crush some garlic and apply the crushed part over the skin tag. Cover the area with a bandage and leave it overnight.
6) Freezing Applications
Freezing applications include the use of liquid nitrogen.
This liquid nitrogen works by destroying unwanted or excess skin tissue.
With the use of an over-the-counter freezing kit, your skin tag may start to disappear.
Although an OTC freezing kit may work longer compared to a minor surgical procedure, considering it is still a smart choice.
One thing you must remember when using a home freezing kit to remove skin tags is that you must not let the spray touch the skin surrounding the skin tag.
This technique may require you to apply petroleum jelly before spraying to protect your skin.
7) Removal Creams and Patches
There are many skin tag removal creams and patches as well which you can take home and do the process on your own. We highly recommend Skincell Pro.
A skin tag patch works by causing the skin tissue to fall off as the patch is removed.
Moreover, in terms of a skin tag removal kit, this product usually has a salicylic acid content.
Typically, the time to see its effects is within two weeks.
However, both of these two may sometimes cause you to develop irritation if you have a sensitive skin type.
This irritation is also called contact dermatitis.
Risks of At-Home Skin Tag Remedies
To remove skin tags, either small or big, on your own or without the help of a medical professional may also come with some risks. Some of these include the following:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Bleeding
For those who are conscious of how their skin tags look, a safer process of skin tag removal, reaching out to a dermatologist or a doctor is highly recommended.
A medical health provider such as a doctor or dermatologist may provide safer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for your acrochordons.
Be Cautions When Doing Skin Tag Removal At Home
If you decide to treat your skin tags on your own, you need to be careful as you do not want to cause other damages to your skin.
It is also important to not use the at-home skin tag remedies at some parts of your body. Some of these include the following:
- Genital area
- Eyes
- Nose
If your skin tags are long or large, and they start to cause pain or bleeding, a doctor or a dermatologist should be the one who will get rid of them.
A medical health provider such as a doctor or dermatologist will also provide safer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for your acrochordons.
The Takeaway
Indeed, skin tags are common skin growths that usually occur as you age.
They are prominent in the neck area but take note that they can also occur on the areas in your body that have folded skin.
Although a skin tag is small in size, a skin tag tissue may still look abnormal for other people.
Fortunately, removing them is possible even with the use of home techniques such as the usage of garlic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I remove skin tags using toothpaste?
If the toothpaste has a menthol content, it is possible that this product may produce a skin tag-removal effect. Simply apply a generous amount of it and cover it with a bandage. Do this regularly until the skin tags fall off but take note that this may cause you to develop irritation if you have a sensitive skin type.
What causes skin tags?
Skin tags are trapped collagen fibers and are usually seen on your skin folds and some experts say that the main cause of skin tags is aging. As you age, your skin folds will become more prominent.
Also, some believe that skin tags occur due to weight gain and pregnancy.
How long does skin tag last?
An untreated skin tag will stay for a longer period on your skin and although these are harmless or benign, sometimes, some people may want to get rid of them for other cosmetic reasons. However, with the use of techniques, either surgical or home remedies, skin tags might only stay on your skin for up to 3 weeks.
How can I prevent it from popping up on my skin?
One factor why harmless skin tags pop up is when your skin or overall health is unhealthy. Therefore, using an antioxidant such as vitamin E helps prevent skin tags.
Is it safe to remove it using floss?
Like the toothpaste method, some people may find using floss to remove harmless skin tags an effective at-home remedy. Although there is no reason not to try it, take note that it must not be used on skin tags around your genitals and eyes.