According to the Cleveland Clinic, skin tags are generally noncancerous flaps of tissue hanging off the skin by a connecting stalk. Skin tags develop at any given time on varying places of the body. These growths are usually painless yet irritating and cosmetically unsightly when appearing in places such as the eyelids or face. The Mayo Clinic cautions that removal of skin tags should occur in the care of a physician to rule out underlying conditions. Melanomas and medical conditions such as hormonal syndromes often appear similar to skin tags and require more intensive intervention procedures. However, the presence of many skin tags signifies need for additional diagnosis rather than one skin tag alone. Many opt to remove skin tags at home and if you choose to do so, use sanitary measures to prevent infection.
Step 1
Sterilize the skin tag and surrounding area with isopropyl alcohol. Wash the skin with soap and water then use alcohol to sterilize the area. No matter which removal method you use, starting with a clean area prevents infection or bacteria from entering the open wound.
Step 2
Apply vitamin E to the gauze or band aid then fix to skin. According to the George Mateljan Foundation, vitamin E protects and supports healthy regeneration of skin. The vitamin E method is a means for revitalizing the skin while the band aid cuts off blood supply in order to remove the tag from the body. Leave the band aid on the area for a day and upon removal of the band aid the skin tag should fall off. This is a non-invasive method for skin tag removal but does not replace the need for physician opted skin tag removal.
Step 3
Use over-the-counter cryotherapy to remove the skin tag. MedlinePlus explains that freezing the skin tag, also referred to as cryotherapy, is a method to eliminate the unsightly skin tag. Over-the-counter products marketed as wart remover may successfully remove the culprit. Freeze the portion of skin at the base of the stalk connected to your body. Apply the compound for the recommended time on the instructions then wash the area. Cover the area with a band aid for the duration of a day and upon removal the skin tag will fall off. This method is not recommended for facial skin tags or around the genital area without physician consent.
Step 4
Tie the base of the skin tag stalk off with a piece of string or dental floss. This method is meant for the skin tag to deaden after loss of blood supply. Sterilize the string as well as the skin area prior to application. Keep the string on the skin tag for three to five days. The skin tag will naturally fall off, however if the tag changes size or color during this time seek medical consultation. This method is painless but is not recommended for facial skin tags or those around the genital area.
Step 5
Apply antibiotic ointment to the area after the skin tag is gone. To prevent infection and properly heal the skin area once the tag is removed, use an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment. Remember to continue cleaning the skin area as well to reduce bacteria in case the removal process punctured the skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Repeat cryotherapy if the skin tag does not fall off within a week after the first application.
- Cutting the skin tag at home with scissors or a knife is not recommended as this may cause pain or lead to infection. Skin tags may recur or not remove as intended. Seek medical consultation to determine appropriate measures for treatment.
Things You'll Need
- String
- Vitamin E
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Band aid
- OTC cryotherapy
- Antibiotic ointment
