Skin tags, also called fibroepithelial polyps or acrochordons, appear as non-cancerous, flesh-colored growths of excess collagen and blood vessels surrounded by a layer of skin tissue. Commonly found in body folds, including eyelids, armpits, groin and neck, skin tags have no clearly defined cause.
While a medical professional should be consulted to make a diagnosis before any home treatment is implemented, the condition is usually harmless and may benefit from natural home remedies.
Baking Soda & Castor Oil
Look no further than your kitchen cabinet for an inexpensive natural remedy to remove skin tags. Baking soda contains potent anti-inflammatory agents useful for skin conditions, says Dr. C. Norman Shealy, author of the book "Healing Remedies."
In addition, according to SkinTagHelp.com, coupled with castor oil, baking soda provides a caustic salve that dries skin tags, enabling them to drop off. The website suggests mixing the two ingredients together to form a thick paste and applying it to affected areas three times a day for two weeks.
Tying
A common remedy to detach skin tags entails tying the tag at the stalk with thread or dental floss so it dies and falls off.
According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information, a 2009 Swedish study showed that constricting blood circulation at the base of skin tags effectively removes them within three to six days. With a reduction of blood flow to skin tags, a 90 percent removal rate was met for tags less than 1 mm at the base, yielding excellent cosmetic results and minimal pain.
However, Dr. Katherine Lim, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist, strenuously cautions against the practice unless performed by a physician. Lim warns that a medical professional needs to make a diagnosis to rule out more serious skin disorders.
Nail Clippers
Although the Mayo Clinic cautions, "Removal with scissors at home can cause bleeding and infection from contaminated scissors or contamination of the open wound," nail clippers may warrant a try for the brave of heart.
Sterilize the nail clippers with isopropyl rubbing alcohol as well as the skin tag and surrounding area. Numb the skin tag with ice for three to five minutes. Pull the skin tag away from your body with one hand, and with your other cut off the tag with the nail clippers as close to your body as possible.
Firmly press a sterile gauze pad to the area until bleeding ceases. Apply an antibiotic and sterile gauze pad to the site.
References
- National Center of Biotechnology Information: New Mechanical Device for Effective Removal of Skin Tags in Routine Health Care
- Mayo Clinic: Skin Tags Best Dealt With by Medical Provider
- Home Remedies for You: Remedy to Treat Skin Tag
- Skin Tag Help: Skin Tag Removal Reviews 2010
- "Healing Remedies"; C. Norman Shealy, M.D.; 2002
