Skin tags are benign, small fleshy growths that may appear anywhere on the body, but they typically develop on the face, in areas of skin folds or where skin rubs together, such as armpits. While they may present cosmetic issues, they usually are harmless. Occasionally a skin tag may become irritated from rubbing in a skin fold or against clothing. Moles are pigmented areas of skin that can range in color from brown to black. Doctors recommend professional removal of moles and skin tags by surgery, cryotherapy or cautery. While these are simple medical procedures, some people prefer to use folk remedies to remove these blemishes at home. Consult your doctor before removing tags or moles to be sure they are not cancerous, particularly an irregular skin blemish or one that oozes or bleeds.
Cut Off Skin Tags
Small skin tags may be removed simply by cutting them off. Skin tags contain blood vessels, and they may bleed excessively after cutting, especially large tags. Sterilize common nail clippers or small, sharp scissors with rubbing alcohol. Clean the skin tag and surrounding area with rubbing alcohol as well. Slip the blades as close to the skin surface as possible to remove all of the tag. After snipping off a skin tag, keep the area clean and dry to promote fast healing. A spot adhesive bandage will protect the area from clothing and chafing. DermaDoctor.com cautions that because this method creates an open wound and there is a chance of infection, you should use over the counter antiseptic and antibacterial products while the spot heals.
Tie Off Skin Tags
NaturalHolisticHealth.com recommends tying a thin, strong thread around the base of the skin tag stalk as close to the surface of surrounding skin as possible. Tie as tightly as possible, using a square knot that will not slip loose. This cuts off the blood supply to the tag, causing the cells to die. The tag should fall off in a few days; the length of time required depends on the size of the tag.
Garlic for Moles
Natural-HomeRemedies.org suggests using garlic to remove a mole. Cut a garlic clove in half, and place one half over the mole with the cut side against the mole. Use a bandage or medical adhesive tape to hold the garlic in place overnight. The longer the garlic is in contact with the mole, the quicker the mole will vanish.
Castor Oil and Baking Soda for Moles
According to Natural-HomeRemedies.org, you can remove moles by combining castor oil and baking soda to make a gooey paste. Apply the paste directly to the mole, leaving it on overnight. The castor oil and baking soda remedy may take two weeks or longer to work.
