How to Remove Skin Tags

Skin tags are common, benign growths that affect 50 to 60% of adults. They do not cause medical problems, however, they can be irritating. They could be darker or the same color as your skin. Some of them are pink. Others become itchy and red. One may dangle from a stalk, whereas another is firmly attached to the skin, and many want to get rid of them.

A doctor could suggest a simple surgical procedure to remove skin tags that stick to clothing or cause pain, although they do not need to be treated and may disappear on their own. For cosmetic reasons, people could also choose to get rid of skin tags, particularly if they are on visible areas like the face. Read on to learn about the safest procedures and most efficient home remedies for skin tags.

What are Skin Tags?

Skin tags, which your doctor may refer to as "acrochordons," are growths that protrude from your skin. They are composed of blood vessels encircled by skin and collagen, a type of protein, and range between 1 mm and 1 cm. They usually grow in skin folds where the skin rubs against adjacent skin, like the neck, thighs, anus, armpits, groin and eyelids.

Are skin tags dangerous? No! Skin tags are not a cause for concern and are common, especially in older adults. They affect almost one out of every two adults. Although they do not harm, you might discuss getting a skin tag removed with your doctor if it is irritating you.

What Causes Skin Tags?

The specific cause of skin tags is unknown, however, both lifestyle and genetic factors likely have an impact. They can develop in some individuals for no apparent reason. Skin tags are more prone to appear in places where the skin rubs against itself. The following medical conditions have been shown to increase the risk of skin tags:

• Overweight and obesity
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy

Skin tags can appear on anyone, regardless of gender, and they are particularly common in people over the age of 40. Skin tags that occur during pregnancy typically go away after the baby is born.

5 Effective Home Remedies for Skin Tag Removal

Usually, skin tags do not need to be treated or seen by a doctor. With the help of some effective home remedies, you can dry out the skin tag till it becomes smaller and comes off. Here is how to prevent skin tags with natural methods: 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is safe because it has antiviral and antifungal qualities. When diluted in a carrier oil, this can be used topically. Start by cleaning the affected area. Next, use a cotton swab to massage the diluted oil over the skin tag gently. Overnight, cover the area with a bandage. Continue doing this for a few evenings until the tag dries out and comes off.

Banana Peel

Some individuals suggest drying out a skin tag using a banana peel. They claim it works because of the banana's antioxidant properties. While no specific research has been conducted, this method is unlikely to be harmful unless you are highly allergic to bananas. Cover the tag with a piece of banana peel and apply a bandage. Continue doing this every night until the tag comes off.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Although there is a lack of evidence for this technique, some people claim that the acidity of ACV causes the skin tag to peel off by breaking down the surrounding tissue. It is best to dilute the vinegar if you choose to use this anecdotal method to prevent any burns. Place a cotton swab over the skin tag after soaking it in diluted apple cider vinegar. Wrap the region in a bandage for 15-30 minutes before washing the skin. Do this every day for a few weeks.

Vitamin E

Applying liquid vitamin E over a skin tag may eventually make the growth invisible because vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents wrinkles and maintains healthy skin. Until the tag comes off, try rubbing the oil over the tag and the skin around it every day.

Garlic

Garlic reduces inflammation, which helps to improve the appearance of the skin. Some people think that the skin tag may disappear if they apply crushed garlic over it and then bandage the region for the entire night. Make sure to wash the area in the morning if you want to use this anecdotal treatment. Continue till the skin tag gets reduced.

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Products For Skin Tag Removal

Skin tags can often be removed safely using various over-the-counter skin tag removal products available at pharmacies and retail stores. Among these, cryotherapy kits are commonly used. These products work by applying extremely low temperatures to freeze and destroy unwanted skin tissue.

• Effective cryotherapy requires temperatures between -13°F and -58°F (-25°C to -50°C) to destroy skin tags and other benign skin growths. However, not all OTC cryotherapy products can achieve these optimal freezing temperatures. As a result, some skin tags may not respond to treatment as effectively as they would with professional dermatologic procedures.
• When selecting an OTC kit for wart or skin tag removal, choose one that is designed to reach the lowest safe temperature when used according to instructions. Keep in mind that while these products can offer short-term results, they may also cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis, especially if not used correctly.

Always read the product guidelines carefully, and consider consulting a healthcare professional before use, particularly if the skin tag is in a sensitive area or if you have any concerns about the diagnosis.

Surgical Procedures for Skin Tag Removal

Do not attempt home remedies for skin tags that are around the eyes, around the genitals, particularly large or long, and cause pain, bleeding, or itching. In such cases, seek medical attention or surgical removal. Skin tag removal surgery is a common outpatient operation. Depending on the size and location of the skin tag, a doctor may use a local anesthetic to numb the region before performing a surgical procedure for skin tag removal:

• Radiocautery: This is the most popular method of skin tag removal. To get rid of it, high-frequency radio waves are passed through soft tissue.
• Cauterization: This involves burning away the skin tag. Most tags disappear or drop off after a few treatments.
• Cryotherapy: This method uses liquid nitrogen to cause the tag to freeze off. In most cases, just one or two sessions are sufficient.
• Electrocautery: This technique uses a specific electric current to burn off the skin tag.
• Ligation: In this procedure, a doctor wraps a surgical thread around the tag to stop blood flow, which eventually causes it to drop off.
• Excision: This involves cutting the tag off using a surgical blade.

In India, skin tag removal cost starts at ₹3,000. The cost often varies depending on a number of criteria across various hospitals and clinics. Skin tag removal costs ₹6,500 on average, but it can cost up to ₹8,000. Since skin tag removal is typically regarded as cosmetic, health insurance is unlikely to cover the treatment.

Skin Tag Removal Aftercare Tips

The best treatment for skin tag removal rarely leads to infections or complications. Some people get a scar after removal, which might gradually go away. The best course of action after using an at-home removal kit is to apply antibiotic ointment to the affected region and keep it bandaged like you would on a small cut. This reduces the risk of infection. If the region bleeds or gets painful, see a doctor.

After a medical removal procedure, your doctor may advise you to keep the area dry for the first 48 hours. Once that period has passed, gently clean the area with mild soap and water. Depending on the method used, a follow-up appointment may be scheduled to check the healing progress or remove stitches, if any were placed.

Get Rid of Your Skin Tags with Exceptional Care and Support!

Skin tags are usually not an indication of medical concern. In most cases, no further action is required when a doctor certifies that the growth is benign. Home remedies for skin tags and over-the-counter medications can be successful and inexpensive. However, you should consult your doctor if a skin tag does not respond to home therapy, bleeds, or continues to grow. A skin tag can also be successfully removed using surgical methods with minimal pain or scarring.

If you’re looking for possible treatments for skin tag removal, then contact Apollo Spectra. Our doctors are well versed in conducting cosmetic procedures such as microdermabrasion, removal of skin tags and warts, removal of acne scars, and chemical peeling for pigmentation, acne, and skin lightening, etc. Schedule your consultation today!