Skin tags are painless skin growths that tend to occur in the folds of skin. These benign growths are common in those who are diabetic or overweight, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Occasionally, skin tags can become irritated or infected. The cause of skin tags is unknown, although they may be a result of the constant friction of skin or clothing. Skin tags are unsightly, especially when they appear on the neck and upper body.
Step 1
Have a dermatologist use a cauterizer or liquid nitrogen to remove the skin tag. Always have skin tags examined by a dermatologist. Although this is rare, the skin tag could be cancerous and should be biopsied if it appears suspicious. Removal of a skin tag with cautery or freezing is a painless and quick procedure with few side effects. Occasionally, bleeding that requires a medical dressing may occur.
Step 2
Use sewing thread to cut off circulation to the tag. Carefully tie a length of sewing thread around the base of the skin tag. Knot the thread and apply a topical antibiotic cream to the tag and surrounding area to prevent infection. The skin tag should darken and fall off within a few days, due to lack of circulation. Once the skin tag has fallen off, continue to treat the area with the antibiotic cream and keep it clean. If necessary, cover the wound with a small bandage to prevent infection.
Step 3
Mix a quarter tsp.blood root powder or extract, available at health food stores, with a tsp. of petroleum jelly or a neutral cream base product. Very carefully apply the mixture to the skin tag, avoiding the surrounding skin, because blood root can damage healthy skin. Blood root works by disintegrating abnormally growing skin. Never apply this treatment to skin tags that are near the eyes, lips nose or genitals. Within a few days, the skin tag should fall off. Treat the healing area with topical antibiotic cream.
Step 4
Buy an over-the-counter wart remover and apply it to your skin tag. Although skin tags aren't warts, the technology that freezes warts can be used to freeze and remove skin tags. Generally, it takes two weeks for a skin tag to respond to the freezing treatment and fall off. Once the skin tag is gone, continue to apply a topical antibiotic to encourage healing.
Step 5
Keep the folds of your skin clean and dry. One of the main causes of skin tags is moisture and the friction of skin. Keeping these areas clean and dry will prevent new skin tags from appearing and can also prevent infections in areas where skin tags were removed. Once you dry your skin, apply an over-the-counter powder to absorb moisture. This will also alleviate friction and sweat.
Things You'll Need
- Sewing thread
- Topical antibiotic cream
- Gauze, surgical tape, sterile bandage
- Blood root extract
- Petroleum jelly
- Wart remover
