Skin tags, also known as Acrochorda, are small, flesh-colored deformed outgrowths of the skin that usually appear on the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, chest, and inner thighs. Some of the most common causes of developing skin tags are hormonal changes during pregnancy, excessive use of steroids, the friction of skin against skin, skin against clothing and jewelry, obesity, diabetes, and heredity.
Generally speaking, skin tags are harmless and painless. Sure, they can be itchy and cause an enormous amount of discomfort, but skin tags are usually non-threatening. For those who suffer from skin tags also complain of lower self-esteem as skin tags can affect your look. Therefore, it is wise to get rid of skin tags as quickly as possible.
Although skin tags can be safely removed through medical procedures like excision, ligation, and cauterization, it is vital to know that these procedures are expensive. Besides, if logic prevails, then one might wonder, why should one undergo such expensive procedures when there are plenty of safe, natural, inexpensive homemade remedies available for removing skin tags effectively?
Homemade Remedies For Removing Skin Tags
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Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil containing powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that keep the skin free from impurities that cause skin tags. Tea tree oil will help to dry out skin tags from the inside of the skin. But, make sure that you do not ingest this oil as it may then lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
First and foremost, dry the surrounding skin of the skin tag. Soak a cotton ball and squeeze out the excessive water. Pour two drops of tea tree oil onto the cotton ball. Then gently use a cotton ball to massage skin tag for a few minutes.
Repeat this process thrice a day. But, do not apply this oil directly on the skin tag as it may irritate the skin.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) plays a pivotal role in removing dead skin cells and in reducing warts, moles, and of course skin tags. Some individuals use it topically and others use it internally to detoxify the skin.
Wash and dry the surrounding skin of the skin tag. Then soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and squeeze it to wring out the excessive vinegar. Now apply it to skin tags and leave on for a few minutes.
Repeat this process thrice a day. Please note that apple cider vinegar may cause itching, due to its acidic properties. Therefore, for sensitive skin type, ensure that you dilute the apple cider vinegar with water.
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Pineapple
If you are looking for a simple way to remove skin tags, then choose pineapple juice for your treatment. Pineapple is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all known for building the immune system. Moreover, pineapple juice also clears away all dead skin cells and in return, help the body generate collagen, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and scars.
Gently wash the skin tag with warm water, then blend a few pieces of pineapple. Take a cotton ball and apply the pineapple juice to it. Massage the affected area using the cotton ball. Follow this process thrice a day for at least one month. And, if you love drinking pineapple juice, drink it every day.
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Bananas
Bananas are a fantastic choice for those who wish to get rid of skin tags of any size. Since bananas contain vital nutrients, vitamins, potassium, and antioxidants, they help to remove skin tags effectively. Besides, potassium also helps in moisturizing the skin and in keeping the skin clean, free from impurities.
Taking the help of a banana peel for removing skin tags is easy and effective. Wash the skin tag with water and pat dry. Then, peel a banana and cut the peel to cover the tag. Now rub the peel on the tag keeping the white side facing the skin tags. Allow the peel to sit on the tag and cover it with a bandage. Leave it overnight.
Repeat this process daily for 2 weeks.
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Ginger
Ginger is a popular and oldest natural remedy, which can be found easily in most places. Millions of people, each day, rely on ginger for treating disorders of the skin. Even for skin tags, ginger is undoubtedly a profoundly significant herb that can do amazing wonders. Simply by rubbing raw ginger on your skin tags for a few weeks, you can easily get rid of skin tags.
Firstly, peel the ginger and nicely grate it. Apply the grated ginger to the skin tags. Then cover it with a bandage and leave it overnight. In the morning, wash it with warm water. Follow this process regularly to see noticeable results.
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Potatoes
It’s time we start appreciating the importance of potatoes in our healthy living lifestyle. Potatoes contain Vitamin C, which plays a vital role in healing skin tags that too without leaving any scars. Besides, it also aids in eliminating dead skin cells, thereby preventing skin tags.
All you need is a very thin slice of potato. Place the slice on your skin tag. Cover it with a bandage and leave it for at least 2 hours. Then, rinse it with water. Follow this process daily, twice a week.
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Dandelion
Dandelion is another excellent homemade remedy that surely works. Not only does it aid in the detoxification process of the body and skin, but it also promotes collagen production and prevents hormonal imbalance. Just be careful about your allergies, if any. Ensure that you are not allergic to dandelion or similar plants such as daisies and marigold. If you are allergic, then avoid using this remedy. Check with your doctor as dandelion may not go well with certain medications. Only once you are sure that you are not allergic, should you proceed.
You need to, first, extract juice from dandelion roots and then apply it the skin tags. Leave it for a few minutes and let it dry. It is advisable to reapply the juice thrice a day to treat skin tags.
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Baking Soda
It is easy to find baking soda in most of the households. Baking soda is quite useful in removing skin tags. Mix the baking soda with warm water. Apply the paste on the skin tags and allow it to dry. Reapply at least twice a day, for two weeks at least to see the difference.
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Oregano and Coconut Oil
Mix 2 to 3 drops of oregano oil and 4 to 5 drops of coconut oil. Directly apply this mixture on the skin tags. Follow this application thrice a day to see positive results. Gradually, you will start seeing the tags drying and falling off.
Ensure that you don’t use this oil independently as it may cause skin irritation. Instead, always use it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil for dilution purpose. Never apply this oil on those skin tags that are on your eyelids. One must be very cautious in removing skin tags that are placed on sensitive areas such as the eyelids.
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Aloe Vera
Lastly, but most importantly, rely on Aloe Vera for effectively removing skin tags. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, Aloe Vera is well known for healing all kinds of skin tags. It is a good idea to rub fresh Aloe Vera gel on the skin tags at least thrice a day for a few weeks.
Final Words
In addition to relying on the mentioned homemade remedies for treating skin tags, it is also very important to follow a disciplined lifestyle. For instance, it is vital to keep weight under control. And, one must also include fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber in the daily diet. Consume foods that are power packed with antioxidants. Sugar should be avoided, at all times. In addition, try to avoid grease, fat and processed foods. Alcohol and smoking should be avoided.
Try to maintain a balance in the hormones. Moreover, drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Remember to wear loose clothing and jewelry that does not create any friction with the skin. Always wash your skin regularly. And, by all means, avoid using cheap skin creams for your skin.
All in all, if none of this works, and if the skin tag still persists, then consult your doctor. It is imperative to make sure that what you have is a skin tag. Once it is established by a qualified physician that what you do have indeed is a skin tag, then employ the above-mentioned measures.
Most of the times, getting rid of skin tags is easy and painless. But, if, for whatever reasons, you do experience pain and discomfort, then do not continue the method. Check with your doctor before proceeding.
Remember, the health of your skin is in your hands. Take very good care of your lifestyle. Eat well, sleep well, and exercise daily.
About the Author
Harvey Lee is a health and beauty blogger and works with various industry leading health and beauty product brands e.g. Tagband: UK’s leading brand for skin tag removal devices. He has an interest in building the knowledge and self – confidence of people who really want to improve their lives by following proper health guides and staying fit for life.