Skin tags are probably the most common skin irregularity that we struggle with. Most people don’t even know or understand what these are on their skin. This irregularity tends to look a little unattractive as they appear in clusters and can really tamper with a person’s self-confidence. They aren’t painful and don’t pose a health risk at all and sometimes you even forget you have them.
What are skin tags?
Skin tags are a build-up of blood vessels and collagen in thick areas of the body. They resemble tiny, fleshy growths and can vary in size and are colourless as well. Men and women can get these and they often appear in areas under the arm, neck, face, eyelids and lower part of the breast. They may also appear in places where friction occurs. Friction may be caused by the rubbing of clothing, jewellery and from skin rubbing against skin, particularly under the arm. It generally starts off small in size and is likely to grow bigger from the constant friction and rubbing. Other factors like genetics, hormones, age and excess weight can also contribute to the growth of skin tags. They are surface growths and not contagious at all.
Causes of skin tags:
- Heredity
- Diabetes
- Hormonal imbalance
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Steroid usage
- Friction from jewellery, shaving and clothing
- Age
- Obesity
Here’s a look at how you can treat skin tags naturally at home:
1) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits and can be used in several different skin remedies as well. Because it is acidic in nature it helps in effectively taking tags off. Make sure to avoid the application of ACV near the eyes.
Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and place on the affected area. Bandage the area and let it rest for 15-20 minutes, this may cause a little stinging. Use this method for about 2-4 weeks till the apple cider vinegar has broken down the tissue near the skin tag causing it to peel off.
2) Banana Peel
Once you’ve eaten a banana, don’t trash the peels away. Rubbing banana peels onto your skin keeps it younger and glowing. It has rich, antioxidant properties and the enzymes in a peel can dissolve a tag.
Cut and place the peel in the affected area, use a bandage to cover it and make sure the inside part of the peel is in contact with the skin. Repeating this process overnight over a few days will dry out the tag and help it fall right off.
3) Aspirin
Aspirin is known to also effectively rids the skin of tags, Acetylsalicylic acid—a derivative of salicylic acid in this solution is said to make this skin irregularity fade with time.
Dissolve aspirin in water and dip a cotton swab in this solution. Apply to the cluster of tags and cover with a bandage overnight. Repeat till the tag dries out.
4) Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe is one of the best remedies to treat any kind of skin disorder effectively. It is cooling and relaxing for any skin type as well.
You can use the gel, the juice or simply split the aloe vera right down the centre and apply to the affected region. You can let this rest overnight on the skin and wash out the next day. Repeat till your tag has faded or fallen off.
5) Onion Juice
Onions contain sulphur and a number of other antibacterial properties that can treat infections
Finely chop an onion and soak in a bowl with sea salt overnight. Squeeze the juice out and apply directly to the skin. Apply a bandage and leave it on all night. You can wash it off the next morning. Repeat for two weeks till they fade.
6) Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the best natural remedies and has antiviral and antifungal properties. This can help control and cure many skin disorders.
First, wash the affected area. Dip a cotton ball or q-tip in water and then dip it in tea tree oil. Now gently massage the oil in circular motions over the skin tag. Place a bandage over the area overnight. Repeat this method until it dries out and falls off the skin.
7) Miscellaneous Tips
After a lot of research, I uncovered that people use duct tape over the affected area. They let it stay on the skin for several days and after removal of the tape, it seems that the fleshy lump just dries and falls off.
Apply Vitamin E and cover with a bandaid.
Applying crushed garlic can also help treat a skin tag as it has anti-ageing benefits and reduces inflammation.
*Please contact a dermatologist or seek help from a professional for more methods or techniques to find what works best for your skin before trying any of these at home.
Home remedies are not suitable when:
The tags are located around the eyes and genitals. Are large in size and cause pain and irritation. In those cases, it is best to seek help from a medical professional.
Some medical methods of skin tag removal:
- Cauterisation: Is the burning of a skin tag, this process is painless and almost immediate in its effect.
- Cryotherapy: This process includes the application of liquid nitrogen to freeze the tag off.
- Ligation: Surgical thread is used to tie the skin tag to cut off the blood flow to it.
- Excision: A blade is used to cut off the skin tag.
What do you do about your skin tags? Let me know in the comments below.
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