People generally like their skin to be clear and free of blemishes, so the sudden appearance of a skin tag can send many people into a panic, even though their presence is generally considered harmless.
Harmless they may be, but no one wants these odd skin protrusions, and most would like to find a way to make them go away as natural, safely, and quickly as they possibly can. So if you have ever wondered about skin tags or have such a growth somewhere on your body, don’t worry –– in the following article, we will take a look at some natural treatments with reputed benefits for skin tag removal.
But first, let’s get to know the issue a little better with this vital information on the skin growth in question.
Contents
What are Skin Tags, and where do they come from?
Skin tags are small harmless growths that can have the appearance of raised moles or small flat appendages. Skin tags grow out from the skin on a long thin stalk called a peduncle. Skin tags are not cancerous and comprise nothing more than fat and skin tissue, although they often appear darker or redder than the skin around them.
Skin tags will often grow due to constant contact with another part of the body or maybe a specific piece of clothing or jewelry always worn. Because they can appear in these specific locations where they see a lot of physical contact, it is common for skin tags to become very irritated. Other conditions that can contribute to skin tag formation include diabetes and pregnancy.
You will often find skin tags in the areas where skin receives physical contact the most. For example, common places could be around the breasts, under the arms, and neck. It is less common for these appendages to be found in the groin or under the eyelids.
No matter where they appear, it is always a good idea to have skin tags examined by a qualified dermatologist who can provide a proper analysis of the growth. Skin tags will never be a major health concern, but other skin conditions can have a similar appearance but require more urgent treatment. But, again, only a dermatologist would be able to say for sure.
Furthermore, your dermatologist may recommend some specific treatments for having the appendage removed. These will usually involve a minor procedure which can cost anywhere from $700 -$1500. This is always an available option as a last resort. But, first, it is always a good idea to exhaust some natural and cost-effective treatments before going under the surgeon’s clippers.
Removing Skin Tags Safely and Naturally
The most important thing you will need to do if you want to remove your skin tags safely and effectively is be careful about the advice you receive. You should take even the advice you read here with particular consideration for your own skin sensitivity. For example, some online “experts” suggest removal methods that involve stringing the tags until they fall off or clipping them off with scissors, utility knives, or nail clippers.
As a general rule of thumb, any of these methods that suggest a cutting solution should be avoided. It would be better to hand over some cash to your dermatologist for a pricy removal method rather than risk the results of trying to nip the tags yourself.
The location of your skin tags should also play an important role in the decision you make for the removal method. While a skin tag on the torso or arm can be subjected to home removal methods, those found near the eyes, breasts, groin, or other very visible or sensitive areas should never be removed at home. If you were to have an unpleasant reaction to a treatment method, it would be better to have this reaction somewhere out of sight.
You will want to be sure it is a skin tag you are attempting to remove. Other skin growths can have a similar appearance to a skin tag but have more severe consequences when treated.
Finally, remember that natural remedies always take a bit longer to take full effect. Please don’t be impatient about these techniques, and avoid the urge to try 6 of them at once. Make sure you begin applying these treatments to clean clear skin with no abrasions or broken skin. Also, try to address the skin tag’s full strength as much as possible. A little Vaseline around the tag will protect the healthy skin from exposure to any strong compounds.
As you apply a specific solution, you should be able to see some signs that the treatment is or isn’t working. If you see that any natural methods are causing you redness, pain, inflammation, or discomfort, you should discontinue the method immediately.
5 Natural Methods of Skin Tag Removal
1. Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil is one of the most versatile remedies you could hope for and has many benefits for addressing skin conditions. But, you should know that it is a very potent essential oil and should be used with carrier oils to avoid irritating sensitive skin. It is always a good idea to try a little of your treatment on an area of the skin where a slight irritation will not be a big problem. Then, if nothing happens, you know your skin treatment is safe.
You can apply tea tree oils to all types of skin blemishes because it will dry out the skin and lead to them falling off by themselves. Once you have combined your tea tree oils with its carrier, apply it to the tag on a sterile cotton ball. This should be done 3 to 4 times a day and left to work for around 10 to 20 minutes. The effect of this treatment should be visible in a few days.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Good old apples cider vinegar is in everyone’s kitchens, and it should be. There are so many health benefits and treatments that require this important ingredient. Apple cider vinegar can be used as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal skin treatment and can be watered down to an appropriate strength for your needs.
Get your sterile cotton ball and soak it with your vinegar solution. Like tea tree oil, the vinegar will attempt to dry out the skin and lead to the tag falling away. You will need to apply this solution to the skin tag for 20 minutes, better yet, half an hour. If you notice any skin irritation from the vinegar, discontinue your treatment.
3. Garlic
Another natural skin tonic than can potentially eliminate a skin tag is a tasty seasoning found in dishes from around the planet. Garlic has antibacterial and antifungal properties but is more important as an anti-inflammatory.
Crushed garlic will need to be applied to your skin tag every day for two weeks. This is because the crushed garlic will attempt to wither your skin tag until it has disappeared. With this in mind, prepare a bandage that will hold the crushed garlic to the skin overnight. Take your time to plan this, so you don’t roll around in garlic juice all night.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another important skin treatment that can address the issue of skin tags. Sometimes skin tags are caused by stress from friction, poor health, or other issues. Coconut oil dramatically improves the skin’s health and even promotes more circulation of blood, oxygen, and vital nutrients.
How To: Coconut oils also contain lauric acid, which has benefits to treating some skin conditions but is mainly good as an antibacterial and antifungal. Because skin tags are not caused by bacteria or fungus, this treatment aims to improve the skin’s health, which may reduce the appearance of the skin tag.
5. Oil of Oregano
Oil of Oregano is one of the more potent essential oils. There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that oregano essential oils will be the best option for knocking that skin tag from its spot. This essential oil is very potent, so a good ratio would be 1 or 2 drops to a tablespoon of carrier oil. Try a small amount on your forearm to ensure there is no irritation before applying it to your skin tag.
This treatment must be applied to your skin tag as many times as possible and then be allowed to dry. Be careful about any skin irritations and allow the skin to rest before attempting to apply another coat.
Final notes on Dealing with Skin Tags
Some of the factors that contribute to the formation of skin tags can include physical contact or specific demands and strains on the body. By keeping the blood glucose level high and avoiding any consistent friction with any area of the skin, you may have a chance to prevent this unsightly menace altogether.
In the end, if your skin tags seem to resist all of these efforts to remove them, there are some OTC methods of skin tag removal that may interest you before you consider your dermatologist’s professional assistance. Of course, the professional route may offer a reduced risk of unpleasant side effects.
