9 Easy Home Remedies to Remove Skin Tags
Skin tags are common, benign growths that often develop in areas where skin rubs together, like the neck, armpits, groin, or eyelids. Although they are harmless, some people choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons or to avoid irritation from clothing or jewelry. Here are nine effective and easy home remedies that may help you remove skin tags using common household ingredients:
1. Tea Tree Oil
How it works: Tea tree oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties, which help dry out skin tags and promote their removal.
How to Use:
- Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to a cotton ball.
- Place the cotton ball over the skin tag and secure it with a bandage.
- Leave it on overnight and repeat nightly until the tag falls off.
Q: How long will it take for the skin tag to fall off using tea tree oil?
- A: It can take up to 2-3 weeks of daily application for the skin tag to fall off.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
How it works: The acidity in apple cider vinegar helps break down the tissue of the skin tag, causing it to shrivel and fall off.
How to Use:
- Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar.
- Place it over the skin tag and secure it with a bandage.
- Apply daily for a few weeks. The skin tag will darken, dry out, and eventually fall off.
Q: Can I use apple cider vinegar on sensitive skin?
- A: Apple cider vinegar can irritate sensitive skin, so it’s best to test on a small patch of skin first. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.
3. Garlic
How it works: Garlic has natural anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that can help shrink and eventually remove skin tags.
How to Use:
- Crush a clove of garlic into a paste.
- Apply the paste directly to the skin tag.
- Cover the area with a bandage and leave it overnight.
- Wash off in the morning, and repeat until the skin tag disappears.
Q: How often should I apply garlic to the skin tag?
- A: Apply garlic paste once a day before bedtime for the best results.
4. Banana Peel
How it works: The enzymes in banana peels help break down the tissue of the skin tag, facilitating its removal.
How to Use:
- Cut a small piece of banana peel.
- Place it over the skin tag and cover it with a bandage.
- Leave it on overnight and repeat until the tag falls off.
Q: Can I use any kind of banana peel?
- A: Yes, use any ripe banana peel, as the enzymes are present in both ripe and green bananas.
5. Vitamin E Oil
How it works: Vitamin E oil is a potent antioxidant that supports skin health and may aid in skin tag removal.
How to Use:
- Apply vitamin E oil directly to the skin tag.
- Cover it with a bandage.
- Change the bandage daily until the skin tag falls off.
Q: Can I use Vitamin E capsules for this remedy?
- A: Yes, you can break open a Vitamin E capsule and apply the oil directly to the skin tag.
6. Duct Tape
How it works: Duct tape works by suffocating the skin tag, causing it to detach from the skin.
How to Use:
- Cut a small piece of duct tape and place it over the skin tag.
- Leave it on for several days, then replace the tape.
- Continue until the skin tag detaches.
Q: How long should I leave the duct tape on?
- A: Leave the duct tape on for 6 days, then remove it and reapply a fresh piece.
7. Baking Soda and Castor Oil
How it works: The combination of baking soda and castor oil helps dry out the skin tag and promote its removal.
How to Use:
- Mix a small amount of baking soda with castor oil to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the skin tag and cover with a bandage.
- Repeat nightly until the skin tag disappears.
Q: How soon will the skin tag fall off with baking soda and castor oil?
- A: This remedy may take a few weeks of nightly application to see results.
8. Lemon Juice
How it works: The citric acid in lemon juice helps dry out skin tags and encourages them to fall off.
How to Use:
- Apply fresh lemon juice to the skin tag using a cotton swab.
- Do this once or twice a day until the skin tag falls off.
Q: Can lemon juice cause irritation?
- A: Yes, lemon juice can be irritating to sensitive skin. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.
9. Iodine
How it works: Iodine helps break down the tissue of the skin tag, causing it to shrink and fall off.
How to Use:
- Apply a drop of liquid iodine directly to the skin tag.
- Cover with a bandage.
- Repeat daily until the skin tag falls off.
Q: Is iodine safe for sensitive areas?
- A: Be cautious when using iodine on sensitive areas like the eyelids. Test it on a small area of skin first.
Additional Tips:
- Patience is Key: Removing skin tags at home can take a few weeks, so it’s important to be consistent with your chosen remedy.
- Safety First: If you experience excessive irritation, pain, or if the skin tag changes color or shape, consult a healthcare professional to ensure it’s not a more serious condition.
- Medical Consultation: If you’re unsure whether a growth is a skin tag or something else, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist before attempting removal.
Would you like more information on any of these remedies, or have any questions?