Skin tags or papillomas are non-cancerous skin growth that usually form on body parts where there are creases on the skin like neck, armpit, under the breasts, upper chest, face, nose inner thighs etc. Generally they appear as brown pigmented skin varying in size from as small as 2.5 mm to as big as size of a grape, even up to 5 cm in diameter. Generally these benign growths are harmless but can be extremely unsightly and most people want to get rid of them because of aesthetic and cosmetic reasons. Thankfully, besides surgery, there are number of easy and simple home remedies that can be employed to treat this condition.
Home Remedies For Skin Tags
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil is a good remedy for removing skin tags in a painless way. It is a strong essential oil which has antibacterial, anti-septic, antiviral and anti-fungal properties. It helps to dry out the skin tag and then it falls off naturally on its own. Its antiseptic properties prevent any kind of infection after the tag is removed. First clean the skin tag and apply 3 drops of tea tree oil using a cotton ball soaked in water and gently massage. Repeat the application 3-4 times a day depending on the size of the skin tag. The oil will penetrate the skin and start drying off the tag and eventually it will fall off.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another effective remedy to remove skin tags. It contains citric acid which is very effective in drying out the skin tags by decomposing its cells. Dab fresh juice of half a lemon to a cotton ball and apply directly to the skin tag and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Keep on applying lemon juice to the tag 3-4 times a day until it falls off.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar can also help to remove skin tags naturally. Before application of apple cider vinegar, soak the skin tag with a cotton ball dipped in warm water. This will soften the tag. Take another cotton ball and soak it with vinegar. Press the cotton ball against the skin tag so that it gets saturated with vinegar. Repeat the process 3-4 times a day until the tag falls off. Since apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature, dilute it before applying if you have sensitive skin to avoid irritation.
Garlic
The anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of garlic are helpful in drying out the skin tag and making them fall off. Extract juice after crushing 4-5 garlic cloves. Apply on the skin tag and cover with a bandage. Reapply after 5-6 hours. Doing this will help to remove the skin tag within a few days.
Removing Skin Tag With Thread
This is a very effective and old technique which involves blocking of blood circulation to the skin tag using a string or a thread. Blocking the circulation leads to the shrinking of the skin tag and eventually it gets dried and falls apart. This can be done by tying a thin string or dental floss around the tag tightly and leaving it on and within a week skin tag will come off.
Aspirin
Aspirin tablets can come to your aid in treating skin tags. Aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid which works to shrink and dry out the skin tags and removing them from the skin. To use this technique, you have to just crush an aspirin tablet to powder and add few drops of water to form a paste and apply on the affected area and then cover the area with a duct tape. Applying this method 2-3 times a day will make removal of skin tag easy.
Onion Juice
Onion salt mixture is another effective remedy for getting rid of skin tag. All you have to do is cut a small onion into pieces and soak it in salt overnight. In the morning, extract juice from salt mixed onion and apply on the skin tag with a cotton ball and cover it with bandage. Leave it on your skin for at least 4-5 hours and then clean with warm water. Continue this treatment until the skin tag falls off.
Baking Soda
Baking soda has been used for years to remove moles and skin tag. Adding little warm water make a paste of baking soda. Run gently on the affected area. Regular use will shrink and dry out the skin tag and help to get rid of it.
These simple home remedies though take some time to show results, but they are completely safe and non-abrasive way to get rid of skin tags.
