Skin tags are tiny, flesh-colored growths that are soft and frequently show up on the skin’s surface. They usually appear around the neck, under the breasts, in the crotch, eyelids, armpits, and other places where skin rubs against clothing or other flesh. Despite the fact that skin tags are benign and non-cancerous, many people choose to have them removed for aesthetic purposes or because rubbing against jewellery or clothing can bother them. Some people decide to remove skin tags at home, but it’s always best to speak with a healthcare professional for expert removal. This post will discuss safe and efficient at-home skin tag removal techniques, safety measures to follow, and when to consult a doctor.
Skin Tags: What Are They?
It’s critical to comprehend the definition of skin tags before beginning any removal techniques. Acrochordons, another name for skin tags, are tiny, benign growths composed of skin cells, blood vessels, and collagen fibres. They typically look like soft, squishy skin fragments that hang. Although skin tags can appear on anyone, those who are overweight, have diabetes, are pregnant, or have a family history of skin tags are more likely to get them. They don’t provide any significant health dangers, though they can range in size from tiny, flat skin fragments to bigger, dangling skin fragments.
How to Get Rid of Skin Tags at Home
Skin tags can be removed at home using a variety of techniques. It’s crucial to keep in mind that, even though these techniques are usually regarded as safe, improper use can result in illness or scarring. Large or deep skin tags may also need professional care, so you should avoid removing them at home.
1. Removing the skin tag
Using sterile scissors or nail clippers to take out skin tags is one of the most popular at-home techniques. Here’s a safe way to accomplish it:
Set Up the Space: Use soap and water to clean the skin tag and its surroundings. To avoid infection, clean the area with rubbing alcohol or an antiseptic.
Clean Your Tools: Be sure to put your nail clippers or scissors in boiling water or rubbing alcohol to sterilise them.
Slice off the skin tag: Using the sterile scissors or clippers, carefully cut off the skin tag while holding it firmly in one hand. Cutting as near to the base as you can without severing the surrounding skin is crucial.
Apply Pressure: To halt any bleeding, use a clean cloth to apply pressure after removing the skin tag.
Disinfect the region: Bandage the region and apply an antiseptic ointment.
Although this technique works well, there is a greater chance of infection and scarring, therefore it’s crucial to use caution and good hygiene.
2. Using the Ligation Method to Tye Off the Skin Tag
By securely wrapping a piece of cotton thread or dental floss around the base of the skin tag, the ligation procedure stops the blood flow to the tag. The skin tag will ultimately come off if there is no blood flow. This is how ligation is done:
Sterilise the Area: Start by washing the area with soap, water, and antiseptic, just like you would with any other approach.
knot the Thread: Securely knot a thin length of cotton or dental floss around the skin tag’s base. It should be snug but not so tight as to irritate the skin too much.
Keep It in Place: For a few days, keep the string in place and look for any indications of infection.
Await the removal of the skin tag: When the blood supply is cut off, the skin tag will gradually become black, shrivel, and fall off by itself after a few days.
Larger skin tags might not respond well to this treatment, which can take several days to function. It’s critical to keep an eye out for infection symptoms and stop using the medication if you suffer severe pain, swelling, or redness.
3. Cryotherapy, or freezing
Freezing is a technique that uses extremely low temperatures to kill the skin tag’s tissue. Most pharmacies have over-the-counter cryotherapy kits, which can be useful for getting rid of tiny skin tags. By freezing the skin tag, this technique causes it to gradually come off. Here’s how to accomplish it:
Observe Kit directions: Carefully follow the directions included with each cryotherapy kit. Usually, the kit comes with an applicator or freezing solution.
Use the Freezing Solution: For the recommended duration, hold the applicator or freezing solution against the skin tag.
Wait for the Skin Tag to Come Off: The skin tag should turn white after a few days, and as the tissue is broken down, it will ultimately come off.
Although cryotherapy can be a useful treatment, the treated area may experience transient redness or oedema. It’s also crucial to remember that larger or deeply embedded skin tags shouldn’t undergo cryotherapy.
4. Treatment with Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities make it a popular natural cure for skin care. Tea tree oil is used at home by some people to help get rid of skin tags. Here’s how:
Tea tree oil can be applied directly to the skin tag by soaking a cotton ball or swab in it. Apply gauze or a bandage to the affected region.
Let It Sit All Night: Repeat the procedure for a few days after letting the oil remain on the skin tag for the entire night.
Keep an eye out for outcomes: The skin tag should eventually dry out and come off.
It’s crucial to test tea tree oil on a tiny area of skin before putting it to the skin tag since, although it may be a useful natural cure, some people may find it irritating.
5. Vinegar from apple cider
Another natural solution that is frequently used to remove skin tags is apple cider vinegar. Over time, the skin tag may shrink and fall off as a result of the acidic qualities of apple cider vinegar breaking down the tissue. This is how to utilise it:
Apply a cotton ball directly to the skin tag after dipping it in apple cider vinegar.
Put a Bandage on It: Put a bandage on the cotton ball and keep it there for 15 to 30 minutes.
Repeat Twice a Day: Continue doing this twice a day until the skin tag comes off.
Skin tags can be removed safely and affordably using apple cider vinegar, but if applied for an extended period of time, it may irritate the skin. Keep an eye out for any indications of pain and stop using the product if required.
When to Consult a Physician
Even though many minor, innocuous skin tags can be removed at home, there are several situations in which you should consult a professional:
Large or Deep Skin Tags: To prevent complications, it might be best to have the skin tag professionally removed if it is large or deeply embedded.
Pain, Bleeding, or Infection: Get medical help right away if you suffer from pain, heavy bleeding, or infection symptoms like pus, swelling, or redness.
Uncertain Diagnosis: It’s usually safer to have a growth examined by a physician if you’re not sure if it’s a skin tag or something else. Although it is uncommon, skin cancer can occasionally be confused with a skin tag.
A medical professional might suggest excision, electrocautery, or cryotherapy as safe and efficient ways to get rid of the skin tag.
In conclusion
Unless they start to affect you, skin tags are usually harmless and don’t need to be treated. Skin tags can be removed at home in a number of ways, but it’s important to use caution when doing so. Never remove a skin tag if you are not sure what kind it is, and always practise good cleanliness and treatment. Seek expert medical advice if you have any difficulties. There are safe and efficient ways to help you get smooth, blemish-free skin, whether you decide to remove your skin tags at home or seek advice from a medical expert.
