Skin tags are also referred to as acrochordons. They are small, soft, and benign growths which stick out from the skin’s surface. Skin tags have the same color as your natural skin. However, it can be a little darker in some people. They form within the skin folds of areas such as the groin, breasts, eyelids, neck, and armpits.

These growths are usually harmless and painless. However, they can cause discomfort when they are pricked or press by clothing or jewelry. Skin tags are caused by aging friction, genetics, and certain types of endocrine syndromes. Additionally, hormonal imbalances and metabolic syndrome are also contributing factors. Generally, this condition is prevalent in females than in men.

So, if you want to remove these unattractive growths, there are multiple remedies. Outlined below is how to get rid of skin tags on body using conventional treatment, over-the-counter products, and home remedies.

1. Conventional Treatment Options for Skin Tags

The best way to remove a skin tag is by first consulting a dermatologist or a doctor. They will conduct a thorough physical examination of your skin. Note that this is an important step to help determine if it’s a skin tag or just another skin problem. There are some instances when a biopsy may even be conducted!
There are multiple conventional skin tag treatment options. the choice of treatment depends on the size of the tag. additionally, the condition of your skin, as well as the size of the skin tag, may also influence the type of treatment. These methods include:

•How To Get Rid Of Skin Tags On Body: this is one of the most common methods that dermatologists use. This technique involves spraying a small amount of liquid nitrogen over the affected area. Cryotherapy freezes the growth of the skin tag. However, this method is great for use if you have a lighter skin tone. Besides that, the liquid nitrogen should be applied over areas with little hair growth only.

•Surgery: this is another common procedure that involves snipping the skin tag off. The in-office procedure involves the removal of the tag using a scalpel or surgical scissors. A topical anesthetic is usually applied before the base of the tag is cut off. Note its location and size will determine if you need some stitches.

•How To Get Rid Of Skin Tags On Body: this method involves burning the skin tag off. Only experienced medical personnel should carry out this procedure. Heat is used to remove this growth and close the wound. Cauterization involves a special heating tool that’s carefully placed on the affected area. However, the tag may take quite some time before coming off. This may be days or hours after the procedure.

•How To Get Rid Of Skin Tags On Body: laser removal is a method this is often used in most dermatology and skin care clinics. A doctor can use it to remove skin tags. The most effective laser for this type of condition is CO2 lasers. It’s generally safe and usually administered under local or topical anesthesia.

2. Over-The-Counter Products (OTC)

Apart from conventional treatments, some OTC products are also effective. They include homeopathic items that are found in drug and grocery stores. For instance, Skinprov and TagBand are some of the most common OTC remedies. You simply need to apply the liquid over the affected area as per the recommendations. Do this consistently until the tag finally falls off.

Besides those products, a tag removal device can also be effective. The removal kits are usually available in many physical and online stores. These devices normally work by cutting blood and nutrient supply to the skin tag. As a result, they end up getting deprived of nutrients and oxygen. A tag removal device is normally placed at the base of a tag. So, by depriving the cells in this area essential elements, they will eventually die. The skin tag will consequentially drop off. This process is known as ligation medically.

3.Home Remedies For Skin Tags

If you cannot afford to see a dermatologist or purchase OTC products, then you can still use home remedies. These are products which are already in your kitchen cabinet. Home remedies are natural and highly effective alternatives with minimal side effects. The most common ones include:

Tea tree oil

This is a safe and highly effective treatment option. Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties. Using it provides you with antifungal and antiviral benefits while soothing the skin. It’s one of the best remedies for various skin infections.

You can use tea tree oil to effectively remove skin tags. To do this, wash the affected area with warm water. Then using a cotton swab, massage this oil on the target area. After that, bandage that part and let it stay overnight. Do this for several weeks until the skin tag eventually falls off.

Note: tea tree oil is a well-tolerated product. However, there are some people who are sensitive to it. So, if you experience redness, itching, or discomfort, kindly discontinue use.

Vitamin E

One of the main contributing factors for skin tags is aging. However, a topical treatment such as vitamin E can help to manage this condition. This substance contains high amounts of antioxidants which minimize the development of wrinkles. Additionally, it keeps the skin healthy and supple. So, applying this topical product can make a skin tag disappear after a few days.

To use vitamin E, massage the oil over the affected area and the nearby skin. Thereafter, cover it with a plastic wrap and then secure it with a new bandage. Do this every evening and leave the bandage on overnight. Within a couple of days, you will witness great results.

Banana peel

Did you know that a banana peel is an effective home remedy for a number of skin issues? Well, you can use it to treat a skin tag. Its been established that a banana peel can effectively dry a skin tag within a few days. Its effectiveness is even more pronounced when you use it with a topical product such as tea tree oil.

Use tea tree oil to massage the affected area. After that, apply a small piece of banana peel and secure it in place by using a bandage. Ensure that you leave it on overnight and repeat this procedure every evening. Within a couple of weeks, the skin tag will dry and fall off.
Note: if you have a latex sensitivity or allergy, then you should avoid using this technique.

Garlic

Garlic is a common kitchen product. Although it has an annoying smell, it’s also effective in treating a number of dermatological issues. Note that traditionally, crushed garlic was used to treat warts. This product contains anti-aging benefits hence you can use it to remove skin tags.

Generally, garlic helps to improve the skin’s appearance. This is because it reduces the severity of inflammation. If you want to use it to remove a skin tag, apply a pinch of crushed garlic on the affected area. Use a bandage to cover that area and leave it overnight. Rinse it in the morning and repeat this on a daily basis. After a few weeks, the skin tag will shrink and eventually disappear. Overall, garlic has potent oil which suppresses the growth of skin tags.

Iodine

Applying iodine topically can also help remove skin tags. Iodine works on the skin by breaking down the cells. So, you need to be extremely cautious and avoid applying it on healthy skin. Well, you can minimize the effects of iodine on the surrounding skin by applying coconut oil. It acts as a protective barrier between the skin and the iodine. Thereafter, you can massage iodine of the affected area by applying a few drops on a sterile cotton swab. Consistently do this on a daily basis until the tag eventually falls off.

Castor Oil and Baking Soda

for centuries, castor oil has been used to treat a myriad of diseases. Baking soda also has the same characteristics. Combining these two products creates a potent blend that can help to eliminate skin tags. You should mix the baking soda and castor oil in a 1:2 ratio. Thereafter, rub the blend on the tag and cover it with a plastic wrap. Lastly, use a bandage to secure the blend. Ensure that you leave it on overnight and then rinse it in the morning. Consistently do this night until you obtain satisfactory results.

Use a Low-Sugar Diet

If your skin tags are caused by endocrine or metabolic issues, then use a low-sugar diet. alternatively, increase your intake of healthy proteins and fiber-rich foods. They will help to regulate the level your blood sugar which may be triggering the growth of skin tags.

Oil of Oregano

This natural remedy belongs to the mint family. It’s worth noting that oil of oregano has antibacterial and antifungal benefits. Applying it on the skin helps to relieve viruses, fungal, and bacterial infections. This is a potent product which also has anti-inflammatory benefits.

Oil of oregano must be used with a carrier oil because it’s extremely powerful. So to use it, mix 2-3 drops with almond or coconut oil. Thereafter, massage it on the tag. Ensure that you do this three times daily in order to achieve better results.

Note: avoid using a bandage. Simply allow the oil to naturally mix with the skin. Do not this combination if your skin tag is irritated or it’s broken.

Instances When Home Remedies are Not Recommended

Note that skin tags are usually located on different parts of the body. And as much as most home remedies are safe, they are not effective for use in certain areas. Some of the areas where you should avoid applying home remedies include:
•Around your genitals.
•Around your eyes.

Besides those, do not use these alternative treatment options if your skin tag is very long or large. In case you experience pain, itching, or bleeding, then seek immediate medical attention.

Facts on How to Get Rid Of Skin Tags On Body

•Natural treatment options usually take weeks. So, you need to consistently use the treatment option.
•Avoid using the freeze, burn, or string technique if you have sensitive skin. This may result in serious side effects.
•If you want to remove your skin tags medically, your health insurance may not cover it. This is because most conventional treatments for skin tags are usually paid by out-of-pocket money.

Skin Tags Outlook

Generally, skin tags have no serious health effect. Because they are harmless, in most instances it’s unnecessary to seek treatment. Even though the above-mentioned home remedies and OTC products are great solutions, they are not effective always. However, you can seek medical attention in case the lesion is irritating. If you notice that the skin tag is bleeding or is actively growing, then consult with your doctor. They will definitely recommend the appropriate medical procedure.

Aftercare Tips

Normally, the removal of skin tags is complication-free. Most people do not anticipate infections. Generally, you will just develop a scar which will eventually disappear with time. But to ensure that you avoid possible side effects, use an antibiotic ointment as a precaution. This is important if you are using OTC products or home remedies. Ointments help to reduce the risk of infections.

In case the tag is removed by a doctor, they may prescribe pain killers and antibiotics. Most doctors, however, recommend that you should keep that area dry for at least two days. After that, wash it daily with warm water and a mild cleanser. Note that you may also go for a follow-up appointment to remove stitches and to check the healing progress.

Conclusion

The removal technique that you choose depends on the size and location of the skin tag. This is a manageable and treatable skin condition that can be eliminated by OTC products and home remedies. Besides that, you can opt to use conventional treatment options.

It’s important to note that skin tags may also be symptoms of underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. So, consider changing your diet and staying hydrated. Overall, ensure you implement a healthy diet plan and get plenty of sleep.