Skin tags are benign skin-colored growths which look like a slender balloon. These mostly occur in the folds of the skin, such as the neck, underarms, etc. Skin tags develop in these areas because there is more friction in these places. A person can get anywhere from one to fifty skin tags at a time.
Skin tags are common and can affect anyone at any time, though they are more common in older adults, people with diabetes, or obesity, according to a study(1). Often, skin tags can fall off on their own, but sometimes they may persist once they are formed fully.
What are Skin Tags?
A skin tag is a soft piece of hanging skin, which is small in size, and it grows in places where the skin rubs against skin or against clothes. In medical terms, skin tags are also called acrochordon, cutaneous tag, soft fibroma, or Templeton skin tag.
Many people don’t even notice that they have skin tags unless they are in a prominent place, rub against clothing, or jewelry. Skin tags are small when they appear, and some remain small while others grow. The general size of skin tags is two millimeters to one centimeter, and in very few cases they grow up to five centimeters.
Causes
Generally, skin tags are developed because of the friction when skin rubs against each other. According to research by the Indian Journal of Dermatology(2), obesity and resistance to insulin are some of the more common causes of skin tags.
It can also be caused due to change in hormones during pregnancy. Skin tags are generally recognized as a stalk on the skin, and sometimes small skin tags can feel like a raised bump on the skin. Skin tags are not harmful or associated with any underlying disease.
Who Tends to Get Skin Tags?
People are not born with tags, and they are generally acquired, usually after reaching adulthood. Because of increased friction, skin tags are generally caused by obese people. Sometimes, children can also get skin tags, and they can grow with age, but they are more common in middle-aged adults.
Hormone elevation, especially during pregnancy, can also lead to skin tags, but these usually fall off on their own. Skin tags may turn black if it is twisted and doesn’t get enough blood supply and they can bleed if they get torn.
Is it Harmful to Remove a Skin Tag?
Skin tags are benign and don’t require treatment, but you can get them removed if you don’t like the appearance or they continuously rub against clothing. There is no harm or side-effect in getting a skin tag removed, nor does removing it cause another to appear.
In many cases, they may fall off on their own. If you do get your skin tags removed, the procedure is small and painless. You can also remove the skin tag by yourself at home, but check with your doctor first.
Can Home Remedies Remove Skin Tag?
There are numerous ways to remove skin tags, such as creams, surgically, with a string, or using home remedies. Removing skin tags is simple and doesn’t require too much effort. There are also no side-effects associated with the removal of skin tags.
But before you get rid of those skin tags, it’s helpful to educate yourself about the condition and if it is really necessary to get rid of skin tags. Skin tags are a skin lesion like any other lesion, like freckles.
Skin tags are not harmful to us in any way; they are generally our body’s response to poor nutrition or an unhealthy lifestyle. Home remedies can effectively remove skin tags, so you don’t have to spend money on expensive dermatology procedures.
How To Get Rid Of Skin Tags Naturally?
CURE 1: Home Remedies
Most of the time, skin tags can be removed at home and don’t require a doctor to remove them. Using home remedies for skin tags is an effective way to get rid of them.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Why is it effective?
Apple cider vinegar contains acid which destroys the skin that causes the blemish. This causes the tag to fall off on its own. And, using apple cider vinegar for skin tags doesn’t harm your skin in any way.
How to use?
Take a little bit of apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball and rub it over the skin tag. Then wrap the area in a bandage and rinse after ten minutes.
How much to use?
Apply apple cider vinegar regularly for two weeks.
[Also Read: Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags Removal]
2. Banana Peel
Why is it effective?
Banana peels contain active ingredients and enzymes that can help to remove tags.
How to use?
Take a part of the banana peel and rub the white part over the skin, since it is the fibrous side.
How much to use?
Do this every day until the peel falls off on its own.
3. Shea Butter
Why is it effective?
Shea butter is a natural moisturizer, and when added with oregano oil, it can safely remove the skin tag. The sting in oregano oil can detach the skin tag while shea butter can help heal the skin.
How to use?
Melt some shea butter with the heat of your palm the add in two to three drops of oregano oil to it. Apply this paste on the skin tag and leave it for one hour then wash it off.
How much to use?
Shea butter and oregano oil for skin tags should be used two to three times every day.
4. Epsom Salt
Why is it effective?
Epsom salt balances the pH levels of your skin and dries the skin so that the skin tag falls off. Taking an Epsom salt bath also relaxes the muscles.
How to use?
Add one cup Epsom salt to warm bath water and soak in this water for 20-30 minutes.
How much to use?
Take an Epsom salt bath every alternate day for effective results.
5. Baking Soda
Why is it effective?
Baking soda maintains the right pH level of your skin, which can help get rid of skin outgrowths like skin tags.
How to use?
Mix one spoon castor oil in a spoon of baking soda and apply it on the skin tag. Let it be on your skin for 30 minutes then rinse it off.
How much to use?
Applying the baking soda mix daily can help to remove skin tags in two to three weeks.
[Also Read: Baking Soda: Health Benefits & Uses]
6. Coconut Oil
Why is it effective?
For this remedy, use only organic coconut oil. Lauric acid in coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to get rid of skin tags quickly.
How to use?
Massage some coconut oil over the skin tag. Leave it on for 20 minutes then rinse off.
How much to use?
Use coconut oil for skin tags at least twice daily.
7. Aloe Vera Juice
Why is it effective?
Aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory properties that will not just get rid of skin tags but also help the skin heal quicker.
How to use?
Take some aloe vera juice on a cotton ball and apply it over the skin tag. Leave it on for some time, then wash it off.
How much to use?
Apply aloe vera juice at least twice daily to the skin tags.
8. Vitamin E Oil
Why is it effective?
Vitamin E oil is a common treatment for eczema, and it can also be used to get rid of skin tags. It also has moisturizing properties, making it the best skin tag removal remedy for sensitive skin.
How to use?
Use vitamin E oil on the skin tags and cover it with the cotton gauze. Remove after 30-40 minutes.
How much to use?
Apply vitamin E oil for skin tags every day.
9. Over the Counter Medication
Why is it effective?
There is a variety of over the counter creams and sprays that can be applied directly on the skin tag to remove it.
How to use?
Apply the cream on the skin tag and the area around it.
How much to use?
Generally, it is advised to apply the cream or spray one to two times a day, but check the instructions on the packet for how often you should use it.
10. Papaya Peel
Why is it effective?
A papaya peel has the same benefits as a banana peel. It also contains acids that will help skin tags to fall naturally.
How to use?
Take a small piece of papaya peel and rub it over the skin tags Cover with a bandage and leave it on for some times then rinse.
How much to use?
Rub the papaya peel onto the skin tag once daily.
Skin tags are essentially harmless, but skin tags on the eyes should be removed because if they grow too large, they can cause problems with vision.
CURE 2: Essential Oils
Essential oils are used to fight a lot of skin conditions, and they can also help to remove skin tags naturally. Below are the best essential oils for skin tags.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Why is it effective?
When it comes to skin tags, tea tree oil is the best oil to remove them. It has dehydrating properties that can dry up the skin tags, which will cause them to fall off.
How to use?
Massage onto the skin tags a mixture of tea tree oil and any type of carrier oil.
How much to use?
Use tea tree oil for skin tags once every day until the tags fall off.
2. Lavender Oil
Why is it effective?
When it comes to skincare, lavender oil is one of the most popular oils. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to remove skin tags.
How to use?
Take 8 oz of distilled water and add eight to ten drops of lavender oil to it. Spritz it on the skin tags with the help of a spray bottle.
How much to use?
You can spritz the lavender oil on skin tags five to six times every day.
3. Lemon Oil
Why is it effective?
Lemon has astringent properties which can dry out the skin tags so that they fall off. Lemon oil will help remove excess oil and water from the area.
How to use it?
Mix lemon oil in coconut oil and apply it to the skin.
How much to use?
Apply lemon oil to the skin tags once daily. Don’t go in the sun when you have applied this oil since it can cause skin irritation.
4. Frankincense Oil
Why is it effective?
This oil has powerful anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties and is used in healing many conditions.
How to use it?
Take a drop or two of Frankincense oil and massage it onto the skin.
How much to use?
Massage the oil onto skin tags twice daily for quicker results.
5. Oregano Oil
Why is it effective?
Oregano is an antifungal essential oil, making it a great solution for removing skin tags. The sting in this oil will help get rid of the skin tags.
How to use it?
You can mix oregano oil to a carrier oil and apply it directly onto the skin tags, or you can mix it with shea butter to make an ointment and apply it on the skin tags.
How much to use?
Apply oregano oil no more than once daily.
6. Grapefruit Oil
Why is it effective?
This essential oil is extracted from the citrus fruit, grapefruit, and contains citrus properties. It has antibacterial properties that will also prevent the buildup of excess oil in the skin, which will prevent skin tags.
How to use it?
Add grapefruit oil to a carrier oil and apply it on the skin tags. To prevent skin tags, add a few drops of this oil in your moisturizer and apply it daily on the area more prone to skin tags.
How much to use?
Apple grapefruit oil on the skin tags every day
7. Chamomile Oil
Why is it effective?
This oil is especially useful to get rid of skin tags if you have sensitive skin. It is anti-inflammatory and also soothing on the skin.
How to use?
Apply a mix of chamomile oil with jojoba oil on the skin tags to remove them.
How much to use?
Use this oil two to three times every day to get rid of skin tags fast.
8. Sweet Orange Oil
Why is it effective?
Another citrus oil with astringent properties, sweet orange oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help the wound after removing skin tags heal faster.
How to use?
Apply the oil on the skin tags or add it to your moisturiser or bathwater.
How much to use?
Use this oil once every day on the skin tags.
9. Peppermint Oil
Why is it effective?
Apart from its refreshing properties, peppermint oil has many health benefits. It can also relieve itchy and irritated skin. This will help the skin tag to fall off and the skin to heal without pain.
How to use?
Mix peppermint oil and coconut oil and apply it on the skin tags.
How much to use?
You can safely apply this oil two to three times a day.
Skin tags are small and can grow individually or in a group.
CURE 3: Foods to Get Rid of Skin Tags
Skin tags are an indication that something is not right within your body, and healthy nutrition is the best way to boost your immunity and prevent skin tags.
1. Fatty Fish
Why is it effective?
Fatty fish contains omega-3s, which are necessary to keep your skin supple. They also help fight autoimmune diseases, so if your skin tags are a result of some problem within the body, eating fatty fish can help them fall off.
How to use?
Salmon and trout are common forms of fatty fish, which can be had as a full meal.
How much to use?
One serving of fatty fish one to two times a week will give your body sufficient Omega-3.
2. Yogurt
Why is it effective?
Yoghurt is rich in vitamin B and riboflavin, which helps cell regeneration and growth of healthy skin cells.
How to use it?
You can take yoghurt as a side dish with any meal. Greek yoghurt also makes a healthy snack.
How much to use?
Try to consume one cup of yoghurt every day to keep your skin healthy.
3. Green Tea
Why is it effective?
Green tea has antioxidants which prevent the skin from damage. Skin tags are formed when too much friction causes toxins to build under the layer of the skin. Green tea can help to get rid of these toxins, thus preventing skin tag growth.
How to use?
Replace your afternoon cup of tea or coffee with a cup of healthier green tea.
How much to use?
The recommended intake is one to two cups of green tea per day, but there is no harm in consuming more than that quantity.
4. Leafy Greens
Why is it effective?
Eating leafy green vegetables can help detoxify the body. Vegetables, like spinach, lettuce, cabbage, etc. also have anti-inflammatory properties that help heal skin irritation. These vegetables can rid your body of toxins, thus preventing skin tags from growing.
How to use?
Add spinach to your daily morning smoothie, and these vegetables also make a healthy addition to any salad.
How much to use?
Try to take at least one serving of any green leafy vegetables daily.
5. Avocado
Why is it effective?
Avocados contain healthy fats that are essential in many body functions, and also tightens your pores to help reduce wrinkles and any other moles on the skin, like skin tags.
How to use it?
Avocado can be added to your salad or taken as a snack.
How much to use?
One serving of avocado three to four times a week is good for your body.
6. Walnuts
Why is it effective?
Apart from fish, walnuts contain the most Omega-3s of any other food, making them a good choice for improving skin health and getting rid of skin tags.
How to use?
You can add walnuts to your salad to make it crunchy or take three to four walnuts as an evening snack.
How much to use?
Limit your walnut intake to three to four walnuts twice a week.
Once a skin tag is removed, it will not grow back, but other skin tags can grow in the same place.
CURE 4: Herbs for Skin Tags
Herbs are the best natural remedies when it comes to treating any skin problem since they are organic and have a lot of healing properties. Below are some herbs to remove skin tags.
1. Bloodroot
Why is it effective?
Bloodroot herb is native in Canada and North America. It is an effective remedy not only to remove skin tags but also moles and warts. Herbalists also recommend this root for removing tumours.
How to use it?
Apply hydrogen peroxide over the skin tag, by soaking some of it in a cotton ball. Now rub some bloodroot over this area and cover it with a bandage.
How much to use?
You can repeat the process two to three times every day until the skin tags fall off.
2. Witch Hazel
Why is it effective?
Witch hazel extract is obtained from the witch hazel plant. It is a natural astringent and helps maintain your skin’s pH levels.
How to use?
Massage a few drops of witch hazel extract on the skin tag and leave it on for some time, then rinse off.
How much to use?
Apply witch hazel twice daily.
3. Garlic
Why is it effective?
Garlic is antibacterial and antifungal, so it will remove skin tags without causing any bacteria.
How to use?
Crush three to four garlic cloves into a paste and rub this paste on the skin tags. Leave it on your skin for an hour or two before rinsing it off.
How much to use?
Apply the garlic paste once every day till the skin tags fall off.
4. Ginger
Why is it effective?
Ginger has many healing abilities since it contains a lot of active compounds. It also has antimicrobial properties, which can easily help to get rid of skin tags.
How to use?
Take a small piece of ginger root and peel off its skin. Rub this root on the skin tag for a few minutes.
How much to use?
Rub ginger root over the skin tags six to seven times every day.
5. Turmeric
Why is it effective?
Turmeric has powerful antibacterial properties that help fight infections and can also safely get rid of skin tags.
How to use it?
Mix ground turmeric root with a spoon of water to make a paste. Apply this paste over the skin tags and let it dry, then rinse.
How much to use?
Do this twice daily to get rid of skin tags quickly.
You are more likely to develop skin tags genetically, so if someone in your family has it, you can also get it.
CURE 5: Supplements to Treat Skin Tags
When your body doesn’t get all the required nutrients from foods, it results in a deficiency of those nutrients. Taking external supplements in such cases can help your body get the benefits of these nutrients. Here are some supplements thay\t can keep your skin healthy and also help to remove skin tags.
1. Vitamin C
Why is it effective?
Vitamin C contains antioxidants and also helps heal wounds and maintain overall skin health. The antioxidants in this vitamin can rid your body of toxins to prevent skin tags from forming.
How to use it?
While almost all fruits and vegetables contain this vitamin, external supplements can also be taken in pill form to increase vitamin C levels in your body.
How much to use?
The recommended vitamin C intake for adults is 60 milligrams per day.
2. Vitamin B12
Why is it effective?
Vitamin B12 is responsible for cell health and keeping your immune system healthy. This is the most important vitamin in your body, and its deficiency can cause many skin problems, including the formation of moles and skin tags.
How to use?
Vitamin B12 supplements are generally safe to take in pill form on an empty stomach.
How much to use?
The daily intake of vitamin B12 is 20 mcg.
3. Zinc
Why is it effective?
Zinc regulates the activity of oil glands in your skin. This not only prevents acne but also reduces the oil formation in the folds of your skin, thus helping to prevent skin tags.
How to use?
Zinc supplements are available in pill form, but it is best to consult your doctor before taking these supplements.
How much to use?
According to the National Institute of Health(3), the current recommended zinc intake for adults is 11 mg for men, and 8 mg for women.
4. Iron
Why is it effective?
Iron is responsible for the generation of red blood cells in the body. These cells help fight diseases and also maintain your skin health.
How to use?
Iron is found in all leafy greens, and increasing consumption of these vegetables can help improve iron in your body. But, if you do need supplements, consult with your doctor before taking them.
How much to use?
According to the National Institute of Health(4), the recommended iron intake for adults is 8 mg for men, and 18 mg for women.
5. Vitamin D
Why is it effective?
Vitamin D contains an active compound called calcitriol, which aids in cell growth and regeneration, thus keeping your skin healthy.
How to use?
Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D, but increased exposure to it also harms your skin, so Vitamin D supplements are taken by most people.
How much to use?
The recommended daily vitamin D intake is 10 mcg.
There are many ways to remove skin tags medically, such as freezing with liquid nitrogen or cutting with a string.
Tips to Prevent Skin Tags
While skin tags can happen to anybody for no reason, there are still some things you can do to prevent skin tags.
1. Avoid Preserved Foods
Unhealthy eating is the leading cause of many health problems like diabetes and obesity, both of which can cause skin tags. Thus, eating healthy can help you avoid skin tags. Try not to consume too much-preserved foods and foods high in fats, like chips or aerated drinks.
2. Keep Skin Folds Dry
The most friction is caused by skin folds rubbing against clothes, so make sure to keep your skin folds dry. If you live in hot weather areas, the humidity and sweat can also cause moisture in the skin, leading to skin tags. Wearing loose-fitting clothes is a solution to this.
3. Workout
Obesity causes more skin folds, making more area for skin tags. Regular exercise can help maintain weight and also stay healthy overall. Try to work out for at least 30 minutes daily.
4. Avoid Sugary Foods
Skin tags are an early sign of diabetes, so avoiding sugary foods like candies can help you avoid the condition. They also prevent obesity, which also causes skin tags.
Bottom Line
Moles and warts look similar top skin tags, but warts are caused by a virus and could be contagious, whereas skin tags are harmless and not contagious. Skin tags are a common skin condition and are noncancerous. In fact, it is very rare that a skin tag could be a sign of skin cancer. But, if your skin tag changes color and turns pink, black, or red, consult your doctor to make sure it is not harmful or a symptom of skin cancer.
FAQs
1. How do skin tags form?
Though there is no solid research on what causes skin tags, it is generally known to form when Collagen clusters and blood vessels are trapped under thicker pieces of skin.
2. How to take off skin tags?
If you want to remove skin tags yourself, the best way to do it is by tying off the base with dental floss or cotton to cut off the blood flow and make it drop off.
3. Are skin tags contagious?
Just like warts or freckles, skin tags aren’t contagious. Skin tags cannot spread from one part of your body to another. This also means that you can’t get a skin tag from someone else.
