A skin tag is a noncancerous type of growth. The U.S. National Library of Medicine states that skin tags are common, yet found to be more prevalent on those that are obese or have type 2 diabetes. They are often found on the skin in areas where the skin rubs together, such as folds of the neck or groin. While skin tags are harmless and do not require removal, many who suffer with them want them removed for cosmetic reasons. Skin tags can easily be removed by your doctor, but if you prefer a more natural, inexpensive treatment, try one of these at-home options.
Step 1
Check with your doctor if you are at all unsure whether your skin lesion is a skin tag or a mole. Some moles can be cancerous and should be properly diagnosed. Also, if your skin tag is near your eye, removal is best left to a professional, as the eye could become seriously damaged. A physician will remove the skin tag either by cutting, burning or freezing.
Step 2
Tie a piece of dental floss at the base of the skin tag. Make sure the floss is pulled tight, and knotted. Leave the floss in place for several days, or however long it takes for the tag to fall off. Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide over the skin tag base daily, to fight any germs or bacteria that could lodge in the skin. This method of skin tag removal can take anywhere from one to two weeks.
Step 3
Pour rubbing alcohol over the ends of a pair of small scissors and tweezers. Put some alcohol on a sterile cotton ball and apply it to the skin tag and the skin around the tag. Lift up on the tag with the tweezers and snip the base of the tag with the scissors. Have an elastic bandage ready, just in case you experience some slight bleeding. The cutting method is best used for long, narrow skin tags that are thin at the base.
Step 4
Wash the skin tag and surrounding skin and pat dry. Apply petroleum jelly to the skin surrounding the base of the skin tag. Apply apple cider vinegar to a sterile cotton ball and place it over the skin tag. Secure the cotton ball in place with an elastic bandage. Leave on all day, if possible. Repeat the process and leave on overnight. If you are home, replace the vinegar soaked cotton ball whenever you feel it is dry.
Tips and Warnings
- Continue to clean the skin tag area, even after it has been removed, to prevent infection.
- If your skin darkens or shows signs of irritation and pain for more than three days after the skin tag removal, see a physician as soon as possible. A doctor can make sure there are no further complications from the removal, such as infection.
Things You'll Need
- Dental floss
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Rubbing alcohol
- Sterile cotton balls
- Elastic bandages
- Apple cider vinegar
- Petroleum jelly
