Skin tags are noncancerous growths typically found in the folds of the skin in areas such as the neck, armpits, breasts, groin, and eyelids.
These growths are made of loose collagen fibers lodged inside the skin’s thicker areas. Skin tags are typically soft.
Tags on the skin are a common and painless growth. To give you an idea of how common they are, skin tags affect nearly half of the general population. Additionally, older adults, people who are overweight, and those with diabetes are more likely to have them.
There are many methods for removing skin tags, some of which are more effective than others. However, the safest and most effective way to get rid of skin tags is to see a medical professional.
The 5 Best Ways To Remove Skin Tags
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that can aid in the treatment of a variety of skin diseases. According to anecdotal evidence, it may help eliminate skin tags.
When diluted with a carrier oil, tea tree oil, which contains antiviral and antifungal characteristics, is generally considered safe for topical application.
To use this treatment, wash the affected area first. Then, massage the oil into the skin tag using a cotton swab or Q-tip. Apply a bandage to the wound overnight. Repeat this process nightly until the tag dries out and falls off.
Alternatively, you can apply the cotton ball to the skin tag for ten minutes, three times per day. Several days or weeks may pass before the tag falls off.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Few studies have examined whether apple cider vinegar may eradicate skin tags.
Soak a cotton swab in apple cider vinegar before applying it to the skin tag. Wash the skin after 15 to 30 minutes of bandaging the affected area daily for several weeks.
Apple cider vinegar’s acidity degrades the tissue surrounding the skin tag, causing it to slip off.
Freezing Kits
In a clinical context, medical specialists use liquid nitrogen to kill undesirable skin tissue. This is referred to as cryotherapy. Cryotherapy (the use of extremely low temperatures) is employed by freezing kits to remove undesirable skin tissue.
Cryotherapy temperatures may reach -320.8°F (-195°C). Temperatures between 4°F and 58°F are needed for benign lesions such as skin tags. It is advisable to opt for an over-the-counter wart or skin tag removal kit that, when used properly, reaches the lowest temperature.
Removal Creams
These creams can be effective in certain instances. Although removal creams can cause irritation and contact dermatitis, they are still effective for short-term use.
Because salicylic acid and tea tree oil can irritate or cause contact dermatitis, some believe you should avoid using products containing these ingredients. Be sure to consult your physician to see what she/he recommends.
Before applying the cream, the instructions for some of these creams recommend cleaning the skin with an alcohol wipe and filing down the tag to ensure that the skin fully absorbs the cream.
Surgery
Your doctor will use surgical scissors to cut off the base of the skin tag. The necessity for bandages or stitches will be determined by the size and location of the skin tag.
