Skin tags are small and benign growths that can appear anywhere on the body, but most often appear in areas of the skin that creases. Common areas affected include the groin, neck, breasts and underarms. Because they are benign, it is not medically necessary to remove the skin tags. However, for cosmetic reasons, you can choose to get rid of them at home. Speak to your doctor before removal to receive a definitive diagnosis that the blemish is a skin tag.
Step 1
Clean the skin tag with warm water and mild soap. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.
Step 2
Cut off a piece of thread that is long enough to wrap around the skin tag. If you don't have any thread, you can use dental floss.
Step 3
Wrap the piece of thread around the base of the skin tag. Tighten the thread around the skin tag by knotting the ends together.
Step 4
Snip the ends of the thread off with a pair of nail scissors. If the skin tag is in a hard-to-reach area of the body, you may need someone to help you do this step.
Step 5
Wait for the tag to fall off. Leave the thread in place. As the blood supply is cut off, the skin tag will fall off of the skin. Discard the thread.
Tips and Warnings
- As an alternative, you can use a salicylic acid based wart removal product to get rid of skin tags at home. The salicylic acid gets rid of the skin tag by sloughing off surface skin cells. A small amount of the solution is applied directly to the skin tag and then covered with a bandage. Repeat application every couple of days for several weeks until the skin tag is gone. If the thread or dental floss comes off before the skin tag does, repeat the process.
- Do not use the remedy on any sensitive area of the skin. Avoid tying a thread around the genitals or skin on the face.
Things You'll Need
- Mild soap
- Thread
- Nail scissors
