Skin tags are unsightly, but usually not a life-threatening condition. Those tiny clumps of brown or pink skin hanging off your neck, chest, groin area, or under the arms and breasts consist of small flaps of tissue connected to a stalk. Genetics, obesity and aging are the typical causes of skin tags. Skin tags do not normally hurt, but they can become irritated by jewelry or clothing rubbing up against them. They can be removed surgically at a doctor's office, or by herbal remedies employed at home. Keep in mind that herbal remedies have not been scientifically proven to cure skin tags, so a consultation by a medical professional may be needed.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, or Melaleuca Alternifolia, has been thought to possess drying and antiseptic properties. It can be used to dry out the skin tag and help keep the area from becoming infected. Daub a small amount of tea tree oil on the offending skin tags three times a day until the tags shrivel up and fall off. Do not use too much tea tree oil, since the oil could cause skin irriation when used in larger amounts.
Baking Soda and Castor Oil
Old-timers may remember castor oil from their childhood as a nasty-tasting antidote to constipation and other digestive ailments, but a more benign application is recommended for skin tags. Make a paste out of baking soda and a few drops of castor oil, apply it to the skin tags and cover with a band-aid. The baking soda-castor oil combination cuts off the skin tag from its nutrition supply, so it will dry out and fall off safely.
Garlic
Keep skin tags and vampires at bay with garlic. A mashed garlic clove or garlic oil can be dotted over the skin tags for removal, according to the website Natural Remedies Review. Be careful with the garlic, though. Besides the smell, garlic can produce irritation and sometimes a burning sensation at the site where it is applied. Mixing garlic with Vitamin E oil may aid in avoiding these side effects.
