Last Updated on
Having any kind of skin condition can be stressing, especially when you aren’t quite sure how to deal with it. One of the biggest questions that comes up in regard to skin tags is whether you can remove skin tags.
You’ll be relieved to know that you don’t have to go through life feeling embarrassed about those little tags of skin hanging from various places. Whether it’s for cosmetic or medical reasons, skin tags can be removed, either by a physician or by yourself.
How can You Remove Skin Tags at Home?
To answer the question, can you remove skin tags at home, the answer is yes. There are several methods that are both painless and safe.
Depending on the size, amount and condition of your skin tag, there are several means for having them removed.
Most people won’t even realize they have a skin tag until it has become infected and bothersome. Skin tags are harmless and the choice to leave them or have them removed is entirely down to the individual.
Its when a skin tag becomes irritated, inflamed or infected that it should really be removed. In some cases a skin tag will be in an area that others can see, such as the face, eyelid or neck.
You may have a cluster of skin tags or a skin tag that is effecting you in a medical way, such as blocking your vision if it’s around the eye, or causing pain.
Tying Off
This is a method that involves tying the skin tag at its base in order to cut off circulation and the flow of blood to the tag. It causes the skin tag to turn black and eventually die, before falling off on its own.
You can use dental floss, cotton thread or purchase a kit, such as Tag Band to use this method. The kit tends to be more effective because it remains as tight as possible around the base of the tag, whereas using dental floss or thread means you have to constantly be sure it is tight enough. Even a slight loosening could cause blood to flow back into the tag again.
Wart Removal
Some wart removal products will also work on skin tags. Look for products that have Salicylic Acid as its main ingredient, for example Dr. Scholl’s Freeze Away Wart Remover. Also, you will need to check the warning labels for anything that says it cannot be used on moles or skin tags.
Cutting
While this may sound a bit gruesome, most skin tags can simply be snipped off with a nail clipper or scissor. There may be some bleeding with smaller tags, which is normal. But if your tag is larger, red or swollen, you could encounter more bleeding than usual.
In some cases people have had to visit the emergency room to help staunch the blood flow. You also need to make sure any tool you use to cut the skin tag has been sterilized or you risk an infection from the wound.
Chemical Peel
Normally a chemical peel such as this one is done by a dermatologist. However, you can get over the counter trichloracetic Acid Solutions to do this method at home. Bear in mind that you are using an acid to remove several layers of skin.
This method needs to be applied carefully and directly or you could cause a chemical burn on the skin around the tag. Its suggested that you apply some petroleum jelly to the skin around the tag (but not on the tag itself) to protect the surrounding skin.
Remove Skin Tags with Natural Remedies
Not everyone wants to use chemicals or cutting to remove a skin tag. So, the next question we come across is, can you remove skin tags with natural remedies. There are a few options you have:
Because of its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anti fungal properties, Tea Tree Oil has been used to treat many skin ailments. You need to dilute the oil however, because it can cause irritation when used as it is. Simply soak a cotton ball in water, add 3 drops of Tea Tree Oil and gently massage the skin tag with it.
Apple Cider Vinegar works in the same way as Tea Tree Oil and can be applied directly to the skin tag.
Fresh Garlic has antibacterial and anti fungal properties that helps in killing off the skin tag. You need to make a paste of crushed garlic cloves and then apply it to the tag, then place a bandage over the area to keep it covered.
Dandelion Stem Juice who would imagine this hearty growing “weed” would have medicinal uses? Squeeze the stem of a dandelion until the white juice appears, then rub this on the skin tag. Place a bandage over the area to keep it in place. You can use this method up to 4 times per day.
There are also over the counter remedies that use natural ingredients, most containing Tea Tree oil as its base.
There are some risks and precautions to be aware of when you want to remove skin tags. As mentioned earlier, larger skin tags can bleed quite a lot. You also run the risk of infection if not done properly. Home removal usually takes time, so you need to be patient.
Removal can be anywhere between 1 day to 2 weeks, depending on the method you use and the nature of your tag.