The phrase skin tag refers to the soft small piece of hanging skin that can form on any part of the body due to various factors. It may or may not have a stalk or peduncle. In most cases, skin tags are formed in areas of the body where the skin rubs against the skin on another part of the body or when the skin rubs against clothing.
Affecting both men and women, skin tags are more common in midlife and can be a major cosmetic bother to some people. Bigger skin tags are also prone to irritation of clothing, jewelry, or other skin and for these two reasons, most people seek to have them removed. Here are some home remedies to remove skin tags.
Nail Varnish
Yes, you read it right; your manicure kit can come in handy as far as skin tag removal is concerned. To remove skin tags with nail varnish, you’ll need to target the tag, apply the polish, cover it with a plaster band, and remove it with nail polish remover after 24 hours. Do this once or twice more and your skin tag should have fallen off dead in as little as 48 hours.
Tea tree oil
This inexpensive immune-boosting oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree plant. It is one of the home remedies that are known to have antiviral and antifungal properties. When applied on the skin, it is claimed that it dehydrates the skin tag, causing it to dry and fall off. You will need to soak a piece of cotton wool in the oil, press the cotton ball against the skin, and hold it with a bandage. Let it stay for some 10 to 15 minutes before removing it. Repeat this procedure until it falls off.
Apple cider vinegar
It is made from fermented apple juice and is domestically used for salad dressing and food preservation, making it easily available. It has acidic properties of apple cider vinegar that make it suitable for use in sterilizing wounds, preserving food, and protecting against infections. It is believed that the acetic acid content in the vinegar can help to break down the tissues surrounding the skin tags causing them to fall off. The apple cider vinegar shares the same procedure as the tea tree oil remedy.
Banana peels
Did you know that banana peels are a remedy? The next time you eat a banana; do not throw away peels, especially if you have skin complications like moles and skin tags. They are believed to be rich in dietary fiber, carotenoids, polyphenols, phytochemicals, and antioxidants that can be effective in drying out the skin tag. Cut a sizable banana peel and place the inside face down on the affected area, covering it with a bandage and leaving it overnight. Repeat this process until the skin tag falls off.
Apart from these, other common skin tag removal home remedies, including cutting, tying with a string, freezing, and using liquid iodine. Before attempting any home remedy, however, it is important to make sure you know what you’re doing. This is especially the case with medium to large skin-tags, which pose a larger risk of bleeding, irritation, and infection during and after removal.
