According to Health Blurbs, a skin tag is a small, non-cancerous growth that most commonly appears on the neck, chest, back, armpits, underarms and groin area. While skin tags are not cancerous, all new growths should be checked by a dermatologist or doctor. Once identified as harmless skin tags, these growths can be removed with home remedies that are fairly simple and inexpensive. These home remedies have not been approved or tested by the FDA, though, so consult your doctor before starting any of them.
Baking Soda and Castor Oil
According to Jethro Kloss, author of "Back to Eden: The Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Foods, and Home Remedies Since 1939," a mixture of baking soda and castor oil can be applied to skin tags to help remove them over time. To make and use this mixture, combine 1 tbsp. baking soda with 2 tbsp. castor oil, and stir to combine in a small container with a tight-fitting lid. Massage a dime-sized portion of the mixture onto the skin tag and leave it on for an hour before gently rinsing the area with cool water. There is no need to wash with soap unless the mixture irritates your skin or causes excessive redness. Unused portions of this mixture can be kept in a cool, dark place like a medicine or kitchen cabinet for up to a week.
Apple Cider Vinegar
According to Paul C. Bragg, author of "Apple Cider Vinegar: Miracle Health System," apple cider vinegar can be applied directly to the skin to help get rid of skin tags on the body. To use apple cider vinegar for skin tags, pour a small amount of natural, 5 percent acidity apple cider vinegar onto a clean cotton pad or ball, and dab the soaked cotton onto and around the skin tag. Leave the apple cider vinegar on the skin for 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water. There is no need to wash with soap, but you can apply your regular moisturizer if the apple cider vinegar becomes drying to your skin. This treatment can be repeated twice per day as long as it doesn't bother your skin.
Lemon Essential Oil, Orange Essential Oil and Jojoba Oil
According to Colleen Kaye Dodt, author of "The Essential Oils Book: Creating Personal Blends for Mind & Body," a mixture lemon essential oil, orange essential oil and jojoba oil can be applied to the skin to help get rid of skin tags. To make and use this mixture, combine ½ tsp. lemon essential oil, ½ tsp. orange essential oil and 4 tbsp. jojoba oil in a clean bottle, and shake vigorously to combine. With clean fingers, massage a small portion of the mixture onto the skin tag and leave it on until it dries, about 1 hour. Rinse the skin with cool water and wash with a gentle soap before applying a mild moisturizer. This treatment can be used once per day as long as it doesn't bother your skin. Unused portions can be kept in a cool, dark and dry place for up to a month.
References
- "Back to Eden: The Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Foods, and Home Remedies Since 1939"; Jethro Kloss; 2004
- "Apple Cider Vinegar: Miracle Health System"; Paul C. Bragg; 2008
- "The Essential Oils Book: Creating Personal Blends for Mind & Body"; Colleen Kaye Dodt; 2006
- Health Blurbs: Skin Tags
