Skin tags are very common, harmless, and have no medical concerns. Most of us prefer to remove them as they can hinder our physical appearance. They are tiny to medium size and can be found mostly on the neck, chest, under the breast, armpits, and back. There are numerous reasons for skin tags like genes, type 2 diabetes, hormonal imbalances, fluctuation in cholesterol levels, or obesity. You can get rid of them through a surgical procedure or use high-frequency electrical energy to burn them off. However, since they are harmless, they can also be removed at home by trying a few home remedies. Listed below are a few home remedies to try to remove skin tag at home.
3 Home Remedies to remove Skin Tags
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil to remove skin tag
Firstly, you need to wash the affected area properly.
Next, mix a few drops of Vitamin E oil with a few drops of Tea tree oil and apply the solution onto the skin tag with a cotton swab.
Put a bandage on top of it and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before taking it off.
Now take off the bandage and rinse the area with plain lukewarm water.
Repeat this tea tree oil treatment daily till the tag fall off.
Since tea tree oil is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral, it is safe to use it on your skin.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar to remove Skin tag
All you need to do is take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and mix it with 2 tablespoons of water.
Soak a cotton ball or a cotton pad in this ACV Solution and place it on your skin tag.
Secure the cotton pad with a bandage and leave it on for 20 minutes.
Rinse off with plain water, pat dry and repeat this twice daily.
It might take 3-4 weeks for a skin tag to come off or break off.
3. Garlic
Garlic to remove skin tag
Take a couple of garlic cloves, peel the skin and crush them into a smooth paste.
Apply the smooth garlic paste around your tag and secure it with a bandage for about 30 minutes.
Wash off the area with plain water and repeat this daily until the tag comes off.
This remedy is the least favorite and less popular due to the overpowering garlic smell.
However, you can even use garlic oil if you can’t bear the raw garlic paste on your skin.
It might take a few more weeks than usual for the skin tag to break.
Note:
All the above remedies would work only if the skin tag is small in size.
If you feel any discomfort, stop doing any remedy.
If you experience any changes in your skin tag or if it irritates your skin, get it removed medically.
Do not mistake other skin conditions like moles or warts with skin tags. In that case, all these remedies won’t work.
Though these remedies might work we always recommend you to first consult a doctor in order to avoid a risk of injury or infection.
Medical Treatments for Skin Tags ( All below treatments done by Professional Doctors)
1. Cryotherapy (Freezing)
How it works: A healthcare provider applies liquid nitrogen to freeze off the skin tag.
Time: The tag usually falls off within 7–10 days.
Pros: Quick, minimal discomfort.
Cons: May cause slight blistering or skin discoloration.
2. Electrosurgery (Burning)
How it works: An electric current burns through the stalk of the tag.
Time: Immediate removal.
Pros: Precise, effective.
Cons: Local anesthesia required, may leave a small scab.
3. Excision (Cutting Off)
How it works: A doctor uses medical tools like sterile scissors or a scalpel to cut off the tag.
Time: Immediate removal.
Pros: Done in-clinic, often with local anesthetic.
Cons: Risk of mild bleeding, requires sterile conditions.
4. Ligation (Tying Off)
How it works: A surgical thread or medical band is tied tightly around the base of the tag to cut off blood supply.
Time: The tag shrivels and may fall off in about 5–10 days.
Pros: Low risk, minimal scarring.
Cons: Slight discomfort during the process.
5. Laser Removal
How it works: Laser cauterizes the base of the tag.
Time: Immediate removal, healing in a few days.
Pros: Minimal bleeding, precise.
Cons: May be more expensive; not always available.
When to See a Doctor:
The skin tag is painful, growing rapidly, or bleeding.
You’re not 100% sure it’s a skin tag (could be another skin condition like a mole or wart).
You have many tags, especially if they suddenly appear (could be related to insulin resistance or hormonal changes).
Avoid Home Removal Methods Like:
Cutting with scissors (infection risk).
Over-the-counter wart removers (may irritate skin or cause scarring).
Remedies involving acids (often ineffective or harmful).
Outgoing, tech-savvy, foodie and creative - this is what describes Nikita in a nutshell. She loves to explore new things everyday in life through her travelling and contribute something to this world through her writing.
