Skin tag removal is the process of removing unsightly skin tags that can be seen in most parts of the body. Nowadays, some excellent alternatives to surgical excision or skin blemishes treat the outermost layer and minimize scarring, damage, and downtime. These known treatments effectively dry up and shrink down skin tags – letting the body’s natural processes do the rest! Skin tag removal procedures continue to dry and fall off within 4-7 days with full healing time from 10-14 days!
However, not all of us have and can have the luxury of paying for these effective yet somewhat pricey procedures. But don’t worry, there have been home remedies and alternatives in getting rid of skin tags. Let’s go over them and learn how they can help in skin tag removal.
What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are common, harmless growths in some parts of the body. Among adults, almost half have skin tags that cause no complications medically but can be pretty bothersome. Many home techniques in skin tag removal are more effective than others. However, doctors often warn us against these home remedies.
Usually, skin tags don’t require treatment and, on their own, may fall away. But doctors may recommend simple medical procedures in removing skin tags that catch on clothing or cause pain. In some cases, people also want skin tags removed for cosmetic reasons, especially those visible ones usually in the face.
Skin Tag-Removing Home Remedies
There are techniques and remedies for skin tag removal at home that are safe and more effective than others. Plenty of products on the market are also adequate for this purpose. Although checking with your doctor before trying anything is still the best. So, here are five (5) home remedies effective in skin tag removal:
1) Bands and Patches
Bands and patches for skin tag removal cut off the skin tag’s blood supply down to the base. Cells die without a blood supply, so skin tags fall away. This process is known as ligation.
Removal bands and patches contain medications. Most people leave a patch on a tag for a few days or weeks, making the tag come off naturally.
2) Creams
Removal creams may be effective in some cases. However, it is recommended to avoid salicylic acid and tea tree oil products because these ingredients can cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis.
Instructions for using these creams recommend first clean your skin with alcohol wipes, filing down the tag. This step is best done before applying the cream so that the skin fully absorbs it. When using creams, the skin tag typically falls off in the next 2–3 weeks.
3) Freezing kits
Healthcare professionals often use liquid nitrogen to destroy unwanted skin tissue in a clinical setting. This procedure is known as cryotherapy and may involve temperatures of −320.8°F (-195°C). Temperatures of −4°F to −58°F are required for benign lesions like skin tags. Naturally, follow the instructions for better results. Using this technique, you may need application several times before the skin tag falls away.
Remember to avoid letting the spray touch the surrounding skin when using freezing kits. You can use and apply petroleum jelly around the skin tag area beforehand to help protect the skin.
4) Apple cider vinegar
People use apple cider vinegar and often soak cotton balls in it, then affixing the soaked cotton balls to the tag with a bandage for about 10 minutes, two or three times a day, until the tag falls away.
If you choose this procedure, you also need to watch out for skin irritation and stop immediately if any signs of reaction occur afterward. Apple cider vinegar is considered very acidic and sometimes can cause chemical burns. It is also essential not to use it near your eyes.
5) Cutting or clipping
It can be a temptation to cut or clip off skin tags using sharp blades, nail clippers, or scissors. However, only do this after having the approval of professionals in the field. Make sure to thoroughly cleanse both the skin and the tool to prevent any infection.
As immediate as the gratification it can provide, this type of removal is quite painful. This method, however, should be avoided by people who use blood thinners or have bleeding disorders. In addition, never cut or clip off medium or large skin tags because doing this can cause bleeding. Usually, skin tags measure between a few millimeters up to two (2) inches in width. Also, never use this method on skin tags around your eyes or genitals.
The American Academy of Dermatology advised being cautious when trying to remove either a mole or skin tag at the comfort of your home because it can lead to a deep-seated infection. Doing this at home can inadvertently be an easy way to nick a blood vessel or vein that may lead to significant bleeding.
Home Remedies: When are These Not Appropriate?
Never try skin tag removal using home techniques when skin tags are:
- located around your eyes
- located around your genitals
- very large in size or long in measurement
- already causing pain, bleeding, or itching
These cases require you to seek medical treatment already. Here are some medical methods of skin tag removal:
- Cauterization – burns off the skin tag that can make it drop away after a few treatments.
- Cryotherapy – liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze off the tag, with one or two treatments already sufficient.
- Ligation – tying surgical thread around the skin tag, reducing the blood flow that causes it to drop off eventually.
- Excision – a blade to cut off the skin tag.
Skin tag removal is usually considered cosmetic, and it is unlikely to be covered by health insurance.
Skin Tag Removal: When to Already See a Doctor
People should contact a dermatologist before even attempting any method for skin tag removal.
In a medical setting, be reminded that it is still the safest to consult and trust the expertise of an experienced professional when it comes to skin tag removal. This reminder is proven the most effective when skin tags are large, painful, or located in sensitive areas. Seek the proper medical attention whenever a skin tag or mole changes because, in some instances, this case could already indicate skin cancer.
Skin Tag Removal: Takeaways
Skin tags are typical natural anomalies that do not typically cause any medical concern. Even if a doctor confirms that the growth of a skin tag is benign, no further action is usually required. You may consider home remedies and removal techniques like the ones discussed today for small skin tags not located in sensitive areas. However, in a medical setting, it is still the safest to seek the help of an expert or your healthcare provider for your skin tag removal. Contact your doctor right away if the skin tag changes or starts causing issues, such as pain or bleeding. It is still best to do prevention before thinking about any cure.
Want to know more about skin tag removal, especially the ones more medically inclined? Our friends from Cheeky Med Spa are the best in this concern and will help you with this journey. Visit them now!
