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Whether you’ve had skin tags forever or just recently developed one or two, we all have the same desire, to get rid of skin tags fast! There are many methods that you can use to remove skin tags, however not all are quick, with some even taking weeks before you can finally wave good-by to that excess skin.
Today we’ll be looking at some of the quickest and not so quick methods for removing skin tags fast.
Best Options to Get Rid of Skin Tags Fast
Cutting
The fastest way is to have a skin tag surgically removed. This can usually be done in the office within minutes. While this is a treatment that you can do yourself, there are cases where it is best to have it cut by a doctor, such as a skin tag that looks suspicious and may need to be biopsied, or a tag the is in an area where it constantly gets caught on clothing or jewelry and risks getting inflamed. Also, larger skin tags can bleed excessively and could become infected.
Cryotherapy
If you want to get rid of skin tags fast you can use this method. Liquid nitrogen is used by spraying it directly onto the skin tag, freezing it instantly. It can also affect a small area around the skin tag in some cases. The result is that the affected tissue burns and forms a blister. Between 3 to 6 hours after. Some choose this method because its quick, painless and less invasive than some therapies.
It also requires little post treatment care. You may feel a stinging or burning sensation as the skin tag starts to thaw, possibly becoming red or a bit swollen temporarily.
Now, the treatment is quick, but there is still a 1-2 week period of waiting for the scab to fall off, taking the skin tag with it. In some cases this can happen a lot faster.
Electro Cauterization
Another method to get rid of skin tags fast is electro cauterization. Also, referred to as burning, a wire that has been heated via an electric current can be used to burn the upper layers of the skin off. For skin tags, the stalk that attaches the skin tag to your skin is burned off, down to the skin.
The heat cauterizes the wound so that there is no bleeding.
The area will be numbed using a local anesthetic and this treatment brings immediate results.
It has been found that cauterization is less expensive than Cryotherapy and can generally be completed with one session. The disadvantages are that its an invasive procedure and you may have post treatment pain for a few days after. It also is not a good method for clusters of skin tags.
Natural Remedies
If having your skin tag removed by a doctor is not something you wish to do, or simply can’t afford the expense, there are a number of home remedies that you can try. These tend to be gentler but do take longer.
Tying Off
Sometimes your doctor will recommend tying off the skin tag as a means of getting rid of it, and this is something that you can do at home. Its one of the quicker home remedies, with a tag falling off in a few days.
You can use dental floss, cotton thread or a kit like TagBand that has a better means of applying a band to the root of the tag. This effectively cuts off the blood supply to the tag, causing it to turn black and then fall off.
There are some things to be aware of. If you don’t tie the band tight enough, it won’t work. If you tie it too tightly you may cut into your skin and run the risk of infection. It is also a procedure that you have to be vigilant with, checking the tightness of the band everyday.
If your tag looks like it is swelling or getting larger, it may mean there is an infection.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil is a colorless essential oil that is used in a number of cosmetic products. It is extracted from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca tree and has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. You apply the oil to the skin tag twice a day and the process can take 3 weeks before you see any improvement.
You may need to dilute the oil if you have sensitive skin because Tea Tree oil is strong and can irritate the skin. Taking a cotton ball and soaking it in water, then adding a few drop of the oil to the cotton ball will work well in these cases. This will definitely help you to get rid of skin tags fast.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The alpha hydroxy acid in apple cider vinegar works by removing dead skin cells. When used on skin tags, it works by reducing them without leaving a scar behind. It attacks the tissue that forms and causes the tag. Destroying this stalk cuts off the blood supply and causes the skin tag to die off.
It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before the skin tag finally falls off however.
One tip is to soak the skin tag in warm water for about 20 minutes, then apply the apple cider vinegar to the tag and let it soak in for around 10 minutes. Rinse and dry well, then repeat this every day until you get the result you are after. This seems to help with the process, causing the tag to die off faster.
Wart Remover
Some wart removers also work on removing skin tags. The main ingredient should be salicylic acid, which works by breaking down the skin tissue. This method is perfect if you want to get rid of skin tags fast. Sometimes it can take a couple of days depending on how long you have had your skin tag and the size of it.
In conclusion, it seems that professional methods are the way to go to get rid of a skin tag fast. However, if you have the patience, using a home remedy is a better option for some.
Its all down to personal preference really, how badly and quickly you want the skin tag removed, and the size of the tag in question.