As skin ages, it becomes prone to developing a variety of skin conditions. Skin tags, which are medically known as acrochorda, are small flaps of skin connected to the body by a pedicle, a stalk-like, skin-covered duct that contains blood vessels. Though they are benign growths, skin tags can be unsightly. Skin tags are not contagious, though some adults will have more than 100.
As of 2010, there is no "cure" for skin tags in the sense that new ones will never develop, but existing tags can be removed and there is little likelihood that a new one will appear in its place. Strangling the tag with a thread or dental floss is a common natural treatment.
A Natural Cure for Skin Tags
Step 1
Cut 8 to 10 inches of thread or non-mentholated dental floss. Disinfect the thread or dental floss with rubbing alcohol.
Step 2
Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball and use this to disinfect the skin tag and surrounding skin.
Step 3
Apply an over-the-counter topical anesthetic to the skin tag. Alternately, hold an ice cube to the skin tag for five minutes or until the skin becomes numb.
Step 4
Tie the thread or dental floss into a slip-knot and loop over around the head of the skin tag. The loop should be as close to the body as possible (low on the stalk).
Step 5
Pull the ends of the thread or dental floss tightly and tie off the knot. With the scissors, snip off the ends of the thread or dental floss.
Step 6
Cover the area with an adhesive bandage to prevent clothing or jewelry from snagging on the skin tag.
Step 7
Check the area daily. Over the next few days, the skin tag should begin to darken. In about three to 10 days, the skin tag should fall off. Throw it away.
Tips and Warnings
- Skin tags contain blood vessels so there is the possibility that there will be some bleeding when it detaches from the body. If so, cleanse the area with hydrogen peroxide, coat it with a topical antiseptic and keep it covered with an adhesive bandage until the spot fully heals. Because skin tags often appear in hard-to-reach places, such as on the back of the neck, it can be helpful to have someone else perform this procedure for you.
- This treatment is not recommended for skin tags that appear on the eyelids. It may be best to have skin tags that appear on the eyelids removed by a physician.
Things You'll Need
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton balls
- 8 to 10 inches of thread or dental floss
- Scissors
- Ice cube or topical anesthetic (optional)
- Adhesive bandage
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Antiseptic ointment
