Skin tags are the extra growths that take place in some parts of the skin. These growths can be caused by rubbing on clothing fabrics or other parts of the skin. Some kinds of discomfort can take place due to these skin tags and many tend to remove the same with the use of natural or cosmetic solutions. However one needs to be specific in case of such sensitive skin matters. Below we have discussed this skin tag removal process.
Understanding Skin Tags
Before removing skin tags, you must understand them. Skin tags called acrochordons are small and flexible. Multi-colored growths are usually a few millimeters long. Unlike warts and moles, skin tags are painless. When flesh scrapes against clothing or skin, tags form frequently. Neck, armpits, eyes, groin folds, and breasts are frequent skin tag locations. Despite their appearance, these growths are harmless and rarely need treatment.
Understanding that skin tags are benign is crucial before removing them. People remove skin tags for cosmetic reasons or because clothing or jewelry irritates them. Fortunately, over-the-counter and medical skin tag removal solutions exist. Home skin tag removal frequently uses disintegrating lotions or ointments. The skin tag’s blood supply can be cut off with a thread or dental floss, causing it to wither and fall off. Healthcare providers can use cryotherapy, laser therapy, or excision for immediate or advanced results.
Consultation with a Healthcare Professional
Before DIY removal, consult a dermatologist or general practitioner. This medical team confirms the skin tag diagnosis and rules out other concerns. A skin tag may be a sign of a distinct skin issue requiring different treatment. Healthcare professionals can accurately diagnose skin tags to treat the right issue. Thorough examination eliminates removal and post-removal issues.
Since misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective removal methods and some skin conditions require expert treatment, this precaution is crucial. While harmless, skin tags might be mistaken for various skin conditions. At-home removal without a diagnosis may damage or hurt skin.
Hygiene Precautions
Skin tag management involves sanitation to avoid infection. Skin tags should be removed after proper disinfection. To remove bacteria and pollutants, wash gently with mild soap and warm water. Infection prevention and optimal healing start with pre-removal cleanliness.
Microbial penetration is prevented during and after surface debris and bacteria cleaning with a moderate cleanser and warm water. Healing requires cleanliness to avoid infection. Cleansing the skin tag area prevents microorganisms from impeding recovery. This post-removal care is essential for skin healing. Cleanliness reduces infections and speeds skin repair. Having no contaminants or bacteria simplifies recovery. Wash gently to avoid aggravating healed skin.
Use of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Solutions
Many self-administered skin tag removal products are available. These products contain skin-tag-breaking salicylic acid and tea tree oil. These chemicals disintegrate and remove skin tags. Beta-hydroxyl salicylic acid penetrates and exfoliates. Applying it to skin tags breaks down tissues by disrupting cellular structure.
Skin tags fall out using antifungal and antibacterial tea tree oil. For optimal results and safety, follow the over-the-counter skin tag removal product directions. Product application instructions differ, but following them ensures efficacy and reduces negative effects. Monitor inflammation during treatment. Avoid using the product if irritation occurs. This prophylactic measure avoids unpleasant reactions and lets people try other methods or visit a doctor.
Cryotherapy at Home
Medical professionals remove skin tags with cryotherapy. The liquid nitrogen cryotherapy equipment makes it easy to do at home. Follow the kit’s directions to apply the freezing chemical to the skin tag and detach it. These kits freeze skin tags with liquid nitrogen. Extreme cold constricts and freezes skin-tagged tissues, causing them to detach.
This procedure is removed gently. At-home cryotherapy kit instructions must be followed properly for success and safety. Kit application time and frequency vary, thus full compliance is needed to maximize effectiveness and avoid side effects. Cryotherapy, even at home, involves a controlled strong cold, so be careful. Watch for unpleasant reactions including acute pain or strange changes in the treated area. Stop cryotherapy and visit a doctor if issues occur.
Also Check: How To Prevent Skin From Crawling? – Expert Tips and Infos!
Ligation with Dental Floss or Thread
Ligation stops a skin tag’s blood supply, removing it. This DIY process requires sterile dental floss or thread. Carefully tie floss or thread around the skin tag’s base to avoid pain and harm. A skin tag will spontaneously disappear over many days without proper blood flow.
Before ligating at home, sterilize the dental floss or thread to avoid introducing harmful microbes. After sterilization, the thread is gently knotted around the skin tag base. Precision is needed to close the skin snugly without causing pain or harm.
Apple Cider Vinegar Application
With its skin benefits, apple cider vinegar can eradicate skin tags. It involves soaking a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, putting it on the skin tag, then bandaging it. This takes several days, leaving the vinegar-soaked cotton ball overnight. Apple cider vinegar is acidic, so skin tags naturally wither and fall off. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar’s acetic acid to break down tissues.
The skin tag is carefully wrapped with this vinegar-soaked cotton ball. Overnight vinegar breaks skin tag tissue. The best results take several days of repetition with this application. Acidity in apple cider vinegar dries out skin tags, causing them to fall off. Progressively lowers pain and regulates elimination.
Topical Application of Essential Oils
Essential oils like lavender and tea tree may cure skin. Apply the essential oil diluted with a carrier oil on the skin tag and bandage. By applying this diluted essential oil solution regularly, skin tags may shrink or detach naturally. Dilute tea tree or lavender essential oil with a carrier oil for safe and effective use. Carrier oils like jojoba or coconut oil spread essential oils and decrease skin impacts.
Avoiding skin irritation requires dilution. Carefully apply and bandage the diluted essential oil mixture to the skin tag. A bandage increases skin tag essential oil absorption and retention. The essential oil may mend and shrink the skin tag with regular use.
Read More: Lemongrass Oil Benefits For Skin: Revitalize Your Skin
Conclusion
The entire process of skin tag removal at home can be a very cheap and yet effective process. However one should consult medical experts before starting the initiative and completing it as per the hygiene standards. As per the instructions offered by the health care professionals, you can complete the entire procedure and get your skin tags removed within a very short while sans any damage to the skin tissues.
References
- Farag AGA, Abdu Allah AMK, El-Rebey HS, Mohamed Ibraheem KI, Mohamed ASED, Labeeb AZ, Elgazzar AE, Haggag MM. Role of insulin-like growth factor-1 in skin tags: a clinical, genetic and immunohistochemical study in a sample of Egyptian patients. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:255-266. [PMC free article]
- Zabawski E, Styles A, Goetz D, Cockerell C. Asymptomatic facial papules and acrochordons of the thighs. Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome. Dermatol Online J. 1997 Dec;3(2):6. [PubMed]
