Skin tags are tiny benign skin lesions found in areas around the neck, groin and armpit. They can be caused by a virus; a hormonal imbalance; or the friction of something rubbing against your skin, such as a piece of jewelry or a car seat belt. Unlike inflammatory skin disorders, skin tags are not painful unless something rubs against or cuts them. But if you are bothered by unsightly skin tags, one of the simplest treatments for skin tags is to remove them with a piece of thread, according to dermatologists at the Skin Center.
Instructions
Step 1
Pour some of isopropyl alcohol onto a sterile gauze pad and wipe the area around the skin tag.
Step 2
Take the piece of thread and wipe it with the isopropyl alcohol.
Step 3
Loop the clean thread around the skin tag. Get the thread as close to the base of the skin tag as possible.
Step 4
Tie the thread into a tight knot, then tie another knot so it will not become loose.
Step 5
Trim the ends of the thread with scissors wiped with alcohol so the ends do not catch on anything.
Step 6
Wait several days to one week until the skin tag falls off. The thread should inhibit the blood supply to the skin tag, causing it to wither and die.
Step 7
Apply isopropyl alcohol to the area during the waiting period to keep it as germ-free as possible.
Step 8
Apply peroxide or antibacterial ointment to the area after the skin tag falls off, until the area heals completely.
Step 9
Cover the area with a sterile bandage or sterile gauze after the skin tag falls off until it heals completely.
Tips and Warnings
- Prevent other skin tags from growing by wearing loose clothing and keeping jewelry or seat belts from irritating your neck. Ask your doctor to remove your skin tag if this method is not successful. Your doctor can remove it by freezing, electrolysis or surgical scissors. You can also try other home remedies, including applying an over-the-counter cream. You can remove skin tags while pregnant, but speak to your doctor first.
- Talk to your doctor before removing a tag to make sure the growth is a benign skin tag and not some other type of skin disorder or the result of an underlying hormonal imbalance. To prevent infection, keep the skin area, the thread and the scissors as clean as possible. Call your doctor if a growth appears in the same area. Skin tags should not grow back.
Things You'll Need
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Sterile gauze
- Piece of strong thread
- Scissors
- Hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial ointment
- Sterile bandage
