Removing Skin Tags
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Removing skin tags is strictly for cosmetic purposes. But how do you remove them using natural home remedies? Are there any? What are the concerns? |  |
Removing skin tags (acrochordon) using natural home remedies
We have created a comprehensive list of natural and home remedies that have been suggested for getting rid of skin tags (acrochordon). There are very little risk and virtually no dangerous side effects that can be expected from using natural remedies for removing skin tags.
| Natural Remedy | What experts say about them |
| Garlic |  (What's this?)Anecdotal reports suggest that applying garlic oil to the skin tags may cause it to be killed and fall off. |
| Garlic clove | Anecdotal reports suggest using a slice of garlic taped over the skin tag area. Place it on in the morning and remove before going to bed. Repeat this procedure for up to three days (but not any longer as it can be irritating). You may expect the skin tags to fall off on its own. Side Effects - Local irritation and burning sensation at the area where the garlic clove is applied. |
| Tea Tree Oil | Tea tree oil has been used to remove warts. It can be applied to the skin tag in the same way as garlic oil. Side Effects - You can expect some burning sensation or discomfort. |
| Castor Oil | Combine castor oil with baking soda until you get a paste. Apply this paste to the skin tags three times daily for up to three weeks. The skin tag should fall off on its own. |
| Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) |
Bloodroot is promoted to remove skin tags as it can irritate the skin and cause the skin tag to eventually fall off. |
Can you tie off the skin tag with a string to cut off circulation to it?
Cutting
off blood circulation to the skin tag by tying a string will cause the
skin tag to die and fall off. One clinical study treated 177 skin tags
using a flat adhesive patch that puts pressure to the base of the skin
tag.
The researchers discovered that the effectiveness of removing skin tag using this method was directly related to cutting off the blood flow to the skin tag. The cure rate was 90% for skin tags with less than 1 mm at the base and 76% for a 2 mm base skin tags.
The researchers discovered that the effectiveness of removing skin tag using this method was directly related to cutting off the blood flow to the skin tag. The cure rate was 90% for skin tags with less than 1 mm at the base and 76% for a 2 mm base skin tags.
What about using a scissor or knife to cut them
off?
Healthcare
professionals do not
suggest you attempt this surgical procedure at home using knives,
scissors or nail clippers.
Some will attempt this procedure regardless. So we will endeavour to give you as much practical tips and tricks as possible so that you'll have the best results.
Following the outlined procedures below, the chance of getting an infection is very low.
Tools and Supplies you should have on hand
Some will attempt this procedure regardless. So we will endeavour to give you as much practical tips and tricks as possible so that you'll have the best results.
Following the outlined procedures below, the chance of getting an infection is very low.
Tools and Supplies you should have on hand
new/clean sharp scissor or a
new nail clipper- tweezer
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Rubbing alcohol (99% or 70% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol)
- Sterile gauze pads (about around 2"x2") - 4 or 5 of them
- Bandages - one per skin tag removed
- Cigarette lighter (to sterilize the scissor and tweezer)
- Instead of the rubbing alcohol, you may use alcohol swabs.
- Ice cubes or ELMA cream to numb the area.
-
Wash hands and use a hand sanitizer gel. Sterilize your scissor or knife and tweezer. Use a sterile gauge soaked with rubbing alcohol to clean the entire cutting edges of the scissor or tweezer. Optionally, you may also use a cigarette lighter to sterilize it with heat. Allow to it to dry (or cool down).
-
Cool down the area around the skin tag using an ice cube for several minutes. The purpose is to numb the area to reduce pain. Alternatively, use the EMLA patch following manufacturer's directions. This step is optional.
-
Using a new alcohol swab, clean the area of skin around the skin tag. Allow the skin to dry completely. This usually takes no more than one minute.
-
Cut off the skin tag as close to the healthy skin as possible. Use the sterilized tweezer to hold on to the skin tag to make sure it doesn't move when you cut it. You may experience some pain.
-
Some bleeding may occur. Lightly apply pressure to the area using a new gauze until bleeding stops and then apply a bandage.
What about using cryosurgery to burn off skin tags?
Cryosurgery
(freezing method) is a method we can recommend you try.
Cryosurgery is very often used to remove warts ('burn off the warts" as
some would call it).
It is effective. However, it may leave minor scar marks if used improperly. Follow the directions provide by the manufacturer carefully to ensure success.
If possible, especially when you have more than one that you wish to remove, start with the one that no one can see first. Practice on these before trying those that are more visible. Indeed practice does make perfect.
It is effective. However, it may leave minor scar marks if used improperly. Follow the directions provide by the manufacturer carefully to ensure success.
If possible, especially when you have more than one that you wish to remove, start with the one that no one can see first. Practice on these before trying those that are more visible. Indeed practice does make perfect.
Concerns about removing skin tags
What are the
major concerns and dangers to watch out for when removing skin tags at
home? Misdiagnosis, infection and scarring.
Misdiagnosis Risks
Infection Risks
Scarring Risks
As clinical pharmacists, it is difficult (although not impossible) for us to recommend that you attempt surgical procedures at home with scissor or nail clippers for removing skin tags. It is best to leave that to trained healthcare professionals.
However, having said that, if the possibility of leftover scar marks are not a major concern (especially if the skin tags are in a location not visible to others) the brave may wish to attempt this.
Misdiagnosis Risks
It
is important that a healthcare professional looks at them to confirm
that they are skin tags. Misdiagnosing it as a skin tag when
it is
some other
condition can lead to improper treatment and can potentially be harmful
and dangerous.
Infection Risks
Infection
can be easily prevented if the equipment is
sterilized properly and proper procedures are used to
keep the
area clean.
Scarring Risks
Scarring is
the main
concern. If done incorrectly, you can leave scar marks in
place of where the skin tags are. However, these scar marks are
generally small.
As clinical pharmacists, it is difficult (although not impossible) for us to recommend that you attempt surgical procedures at home with scissor or nail clippers for removing skin tags. It is best to leave that to trained healthcare professionals.
However, having said that, if the possibility of leftover scar marks are not a major concern (especially if the skin tags are in a location not visible to others) the brave may wish to attempt this.
Summary - The bottom line
There's
no scientific evidence to show that any natural remedies works for removing
skin tags. Anecdotal evidence suggests that they might work. Fortunately, they not present any risk
and are safe to try.
Cryosurgery is the recommended "home remedy" treatment. It is low cost, low risk and effective.
The use of knives or nail clippers at home to get rid of skin tags is possible and is not considered to be risky. We provide the detailed procedure only because we know some people will try this at home and we feel that you are better of getting more information than for us to leave you guessing.
Removing skin tags at home is not as difficult as it seems once you have all the information to work with.
Cryosurgery is the recommended "home remedy" treatment. It is low cost, low risk and effective.
The use of knives or nail clippers at home to get rid of skin tags is possible and is not considered to be risky. We provide the detailed procedure only because we know some people will try this at home and we feel that you are better of getting more information than for us to leave you guessing.
Removing skin tags at home is not as difficult as it seems once you have all the information to work with.
Return to What causes skin tags
Related Articles that may be of interest to you
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Garlic - The ultimate health food for the heart and for killing germs?
Go back to Health Conditions from Removing skin tags
References
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Created: January 14, 2010
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