Introduction
Skin tags are small, flesh-colored growths that typically appear on the neck, armpits, chest, and groin area. They’re noncancerous, harmless, and usually painless, but some people may feel self-conscious about them. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove skin tags from the comfort of your own home or with the help of a doctor.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are benign tumors made of collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by skin. They’re typically 1 to 2 millimeters in size, though they can grow as large as 5 millimeters. They vary in color from light brown to dark gray and have a thin stalk connecting them to the surrounding skin. They’re often referred to as acrochordons, fibroepithelial polyps, cutaneous papillomas, and soft fibromas.
Causes of Skin Tags
The exact cause of skin tags is unknown, though they’ve been linked to certain risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and pregnancy. High levels of friction caused by clothing, jewelry, or excess skin rubbing against other skin may also contribute to their development.
Over-the-Counter Topical Treatment
The first step in removing a skin tag is purchasing an over-the-counter topical treatment. These products contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and lactic acid, which work to dissolve the skin tag. They also reduce inflammation and speed up healing time.
Types of Products Available
There are several types of topical treatments available for skin tag removal. Creams, gels, and liquids are applied directly to the skin tag and work to break down the tissue. There are also patches, which contain active ingredients that are slowly released into the skin over the course of several days. For larger skin tags, you may want to consider a solution that contains stronger active ingredients such as 17% salicylic acid.
How to Use
Before applying any product, it’s important to clean the affected area with mild soap and warm water. Then, apply the product according to the instructions on the package. You may need to apply the product multiple times a day for several weeks before the skin tag falls off. If you experience any discomfort, stop using the product and consult your doctor.
Freeze the Skin Tag with Liquid Nitrogen
If your skin tag doesn’t respond to topical treatments, you may want to try freezing it with liquid nitrogen. This method works by causing the skin tag to freeze, which then breaks down the tissue and causes it to fall off. It’s a safe and effective way to remove skin tags, but it should only be done by a trained medical professional.
What is Liquid Nitrogen?
Liquid nitrogen is a cold gas that’s produced by compressing air until it liquefies. It’s commonly used in cryotherapy and other medical procedures, and it has an extremely low temperature of -321 degrees Fahrenheit. When applied to the skin, it creates a burning sensation and causes the skin tag to blister and fall off within a few days.
How to Use
Your doctor will use a cotton swab to apply liquid nitrogen to the skin tag. You may feel a stinging or burning sensation during the procedure, but it should only last a few seconds. Afterward, you’ll need to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. The skin tag should fall off within a few days.
Tie Off the Skin Tag with a Thread
Another option for skin tag removal is to tie off the skin tag with a piece of thread. This method works by cutting off the blood supply to the skin tag, which causes it to die and fall off. It’s relatively safe and painless, but it should only be done by a trained medical professional.
How to Tie Off the Skin Tag
Your doctor will use a sterile thread to tie off the base of the skin tag. The thread will cut off the blood supply to the skin tag, causing it to die and fall off within a few days. You may experience some discomfort during the procedure, but it should only last a few seconds.
Potential Risks
Although tying off a skin tag is generally considered safe, it can cause certain side effects such as swelling, bleeding, and infection. To reduce your risk of these side effects, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for aftercare. Avoid touching or picking at the affected area, and keep it clean and dry.
Apply Apple Cider Vinegar to the Skin Tag
Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for skin tags due to its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s believed to work by irritating the skin tag, which causes it to dry up and eventually fall off. However, this method isn’t recommended for sensitive skin, as it can cause redness and irritation.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from fermented apples. It’s rich in acetic acid, which is believed to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It’s also high in vitamins and minerals, which may help promote healthy skin.
How to Apply
To use apple cider vinegar for skin tag removal, soak a cotton ball in the vinegar and apply it directly to the skin tag. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Repeat this process twice a day for several weeks until the skin tag falls off.
Use Essential Oils to Remove Skin Tags
Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular for treating various skin conditions, including skin tags. Some essential oils contain anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help dry out the skin tag and promote healing. However, it’s important to note that essential oils can be toxic if ingested, so they should only be used topically.
Types of Essential Oils
Some of the best essential oils for skin tag removal include tea tree oil, oregano oil, lavender oil, and frankincense oil. Tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, while oregano oil is believed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lavender oil is thought to help reduce inflammation and promote healing, while frankincense oil is believed to be calming and invigorating.
How to Use
To use essential oils for skin tag removal, mix two to three drops of your chosen oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. Then, apply the mixture directly to the skin tag. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Repeat this process twice a day for several weeks until the skin tag falls off.
Cut off the Skin Tag with Scissors
If you’re feeling brave, you can try cutting off the skin tag with a pair of sterilized scissors. This method works by cutting off the skin tag at the base, which causes it to fall off. However, it’s important to note that this method should only be done by a trained medical professional, as it carries the risk of infection and scarring.
How to Cut Off the Skin Tag
Your doctor will use a pair of sterilized scissors to carefully snip off the skin tag at the base. You may feel a slight pinch during the procedure, but it shouldn’t be too painful. Afterward, you’ll need to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. The skin tag should fall off within a few days.
Potential Risks
Cutting off a skin tag can cause certain side effects such as bleeding, infection, and scarring. To reduce your risk of these side effects, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for aftercare. Avoid touching or picking at the affected area, and keep it clean and dry.
Have a Doctor Remove the Skin Tag
If all else fails, you may want to consider having a doctor remove the skin tag. This method involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic, then cutting off the skin tag with a scalpel or laser. It’s a quick and easy procedure with minimal downtime.
Preparation for the Procedure
Before the procedure, your doctor will advise you to avoid taking any aspirin or ibuprofen, as these medications can increase the risk of bleeding. You should also avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before the procedure. Your doctor will also give you instructions for aftercare, so make sure to follow them closely.
Benefits of Professional Removal
Having a doctor remove a skin tag offers several benefits. First, it’s a quick and easy procedure with minimal downtime. Second, it’s a safe and effective way to remove a skin tag without the risk of infection or scarring. Finally, it can help you feel more confident in your appearance.
Conclusion
Skin tags are harmless growths that can be removed from the comfort of your own home or with the help of a doctor. Over-the-counter topical treatments, liquid nitrogen, thread, apple cider vinegar, essential oils, and scissors can all be used to remove skin tags. If all else fails, you can always opt for professional removal. Remember to take preventive measures such as avoiding friction and keeping the skin clean and dry to help prevent skin tags in the future.
