Skin tags are bits of benign skin that grows like a tiny piece of soft hanging skin. Both men and women are at risk of having skin tag. Though it is harmless, people with skin tags prefer to remove it for different reasons.  Various skin tag treatments that are painless and affordable are available.

What is skin tag?

A skin tag is medically known as acrochordon. It is composed of collagen and blood vessels that were trapped and formed blemish.  Moles may be common for everyone but skin tags are a bit unusual that is why majority of people who have skin tag prefers to remove it. Generally, it is not a tumor and may not cause harm but for anesthetic reasons, people remove it especially when the skin tag develops in the face and neck.

Aside from face and neck, it is also usually found in eyelids, groin folds, underarms and below the breast area.

The color and size of skin tags varies, their common characteristics is that it may appear slightly wrinkled and somewhat irregular in appearance. Initially, the skin tag may look like a flattened bump with 2 to 5 mm size, and later on, it may grow bigger and look like it is hanging in a stalk. It can grow up to 1cm in diameter or like a big grape.

Licensed dermatologist may do effective skin tag treatment but aside from non-surgical treatments, you can use skin tag treatment using materials available from your home.

What are Skin Tags Causes?

The exact causes of skin tags are not known though there are factors that increased the risk of developing one. Obesity is one factor in having skin tags especially in areas of rubbing usually occurs like underarm, neck and groin folds. Meanwhile, women who have normal weight but may have bigger breasts may also tend to develop skin tags below their chest area. Pregnant women are also susceptible to have skin tags because of hormonal secretion.

Aside from adults, children can also develop skin tags in the neck and underarm area since friction is common in those area.

Skin Tag Treatment

Skin tag treatment varies and you may ask your dermatologist to remove it for you. But there are some home remedies which you can use to remove your skin tags. These home remedies are also painless but make sure that only clean materials are used to avoid unnecessary infections later on.

Here are some 6 skin tag treatments:

1. Electrosurgery

Electrosurgery is a skin tag treatment that is performed by licensed dermatologist. It is done with the use of electric needle to cut the growth of skin tag. This treatment may also stop additional growth of the skin tag not just on the surface but also beneath the skin.

 

 

 

2.  Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to destroy the abnormal growth of cell tissue. This is quick way of removing skin tag but may cause mild scarring and minor pain. Apply the liquid nitrogen just once in the problem area to avoid irritation. A licensed dermatologist often does this treatment.

 

 

 

3. Tea Tree Oil

This is one of the most common ways in removing skin tag. Tea tree oil is extracted from Melaleuca Alternifolia. Clean the area of skin tag with soap and water. Then, wait to dry it out. Dampen a cotton ball in water and put 2 drops of tea tree oil in the cotton. Gently rub it in the skin tag. Repeat the procedure until the skin tag falls off naturally.

 

4. Scissors

Scissors are often use by persons who do not want to wait in removing the skin tag. To avoid infection, use a sanitized scissors in chopping the skin tag right from the base. Using it with scissors is a sure way in cutting skin tag. However, this skin tag treatment may be painful and can have some bleeding. After cutting it, put some disinfection to avoid any infection. If irritation develops, see your doctor.

 

5. Dental Floss

Tie dental floss on the base of the skin tag. Leave it there for a couple of days. This will cut of the circulation of blood in the skin tag. Without blood circulation, it will   naturally dry and fall off after a few days.

 

6. Castor oil and baking soda

 Mix castor oil with baking soda until it became paste. Put the mixture to skin tag for a couple of times until the skin tag dries up and fall off on its own.

 

 

Here are the six skin tag treatments. If irritation develops, consult immediately your medical health care provider to avoid any bleeding and scarring.