Skin tags or polyps or papillomas as they are generally referred to as are benign growths on the skin surface that occur mostly on the neck, chest, face, nose, armpits, inner thighs etc.Though they are generally harmless, they can also be the result of underlying medical conditions that require rigorous treatment.
They can also be extremely unsightly and cause a lot of cosmetic issues in women. Thankfully, apart from surgery, which is mostly recommended, there are many safe and effective methods that can be employed at home for treating this condition.
Garlic Treatment
Garlic is a wonderful treatment for removing the skin tag without any external interference or medication. Being very hot in nature, one has to exercise caution while using garlic for treatment. Take a clove of garlic and cut it into a thin slice.
Leave it on the skin tag and secure with a duct tape. Allow it to remain the entire day, taking care to replace it with fresh slices. Before bedtime, remove and rinse your skin. Repeat for three days after which the tag falls off. You can start the treatment again after a few days if the skin tag still remains.
Frankincense Essential Oil
It is important to do a patch test on the skin to check if the strong essential oil is too potent for your skin. Apply frankincense essential oil directly on the skin tag either diluted or undiluted depending on your skin sensitivity.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is a strong remedy for treating skin tags at home. Take some castor oil and add some baking soda to this in order to form a thick paste. Apply this mixture on the skin tag.
Repeat thrice a day and continue treatment for about three weeks. Soon the skin tag will shrink and fall off. The treatment can be continued in case the skin tag has not fallen off.
Cutting Off The Skin Tag This is a simple procedure that can be done at home using a scissors or a scalpel. However, remember that this seemingly simple procedure requires a lot of care in order to avoid infections. Sterilize the scissors or the scalpel with boiling water, flame, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol before usage.
Use ice cubes on the skin tag for about 10-15 minutes for numbing the area. Now, aiming at a position close to the skin, cut off the skin tag as fast as possible. Use a cotton for wiping off the blood. Apply a little salt or antiseptic cream after this procedure to prevent infection and also to speed up healing.
Tea Tree Oil
A strong essential oil that is very acidic in nature, tea tree oil is also a natural antiseptic agent that protects the skin after the tag has been removed. Apply tea tree oil directly on the skin tag. Leave it on. Repeat the application thrice a day or more based on the size of the skin tag.
The oil penetrates the skin tag and finally the skin tag starts drying off and eventually falls off with frequent application. If you have very sensitive skin, make sure that you dilute tea tree oil before application.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Being acidic in nature, apple cider vinegar too can be used for inducing the skin tag to fall naturally. Before application of apple cider vinegar, soak the affected area in warm water. Once the skin tag becomes soft, use a cotton ball for soaking apple cider vinegar and apply on the skin tag.Press on the skin tag for twenty minutes for its action to take place. Rinse off with warm water. Repeat 2-3 times a day and continue treatment every day until the tag falls off.
Asphyxiation
Another effective method to remove skin tag, asphyxiation involves depriving oxygen to the skin tag and making it shrink and fall off naturally. You can use a non-porous material for this purpose. It can be the application of nail polish, use of a band-aid, liquid band aid etc., whichever is convenient for you. Whatever method you use, it has to be airtight to prevent oxygen from entering the skin tag. The skin tag will be removed in eight to ten days with this procedure.
Aspirin
Aspirin too can be used for treating skin tags. Take an aspirin tablet and crush it to form a powder. Apply this powder on the skin tag and seal with a duct tape.
Aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid, which helps in shrinking and drying the skin tag and finally removing it completely from the skin.
Using A Thread
This method of removing skin tag involves the use of a thread or a string for blocking the blood circulation to the skin tag. Lack of circulation will soon cause the skin tag to shrink and dry off and finally it falls off. Tie a thin string or a dental floss around the skin tag tightly.
Leave it on for several days until the skin tags comes out. The procedure may cause some pain and the surrounding skin can get irritated under the pressure of the string. However, this method is known to be very effective in removing the skin tag within a week.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild exfoliant and helps in removing moles and skin tags as well. Take adequate amounts if baking soda and mix it with some warm water to form a paste. Apply on the skin tag and rub gently. Repeat the procedure several times a day and continue until the skin tag dries and falls off.
Check for skin irritation while using baking soda for the treatment. If irritation persists, discontinue this method of treatment. The skin tags will be gone in one to two weeks with the use of baking soda. Repeat the procedure if the skin tags are bigger and more stubborn to be removed easily.
