Acrochorda, commonly known as skin tags, appear most frequently on the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, chest, and inner thighs. Typically flesh-colored, they can be smooth or wrinkly and they vary in size. Composed of blood vessels and collagen fibers, skin tags are harmless and painless. The exact cause of skin tags is not known, but some theorize that they are caused by friction—rubbing from clothing, jewelry, or skin against skin. Other possible causes include heredity, human papillomavirus (HPV), obesity, diabetes, use of steroids, and hormonal changes.
Skin tags can be removed through procedures like cauterization, ligation, cryosurgery, and excision, but these must be performed by trained medical professionals and they can be expensive. Everyone wants smooth, healthy skin, but why undergo expensive, potentially hazardous procedures when you can reduce and remove skin tags using safe, natural, inexpensive home remedies instead? Ready to find out what they are? Let’s get started!
Home Remedies for Skin Tags:
The below remedies are herbal and effective and removes skin tag without any scar.
1. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil contains phenolic terpenoids, thymol, arvacrol, and p-cymene, which are antibacterial, anti–melanomic, anti–inflammatory, anti–spasmodic, anti–oxidative, and antiseptic. Oregano oil cleanses skin and removes skin tags in 3 weeks to 2 months.
Process:
- Mix 3 drops of oregano oil with 6 drops of coconut oil.
- Rub the oils on the skin tag 3 times a day.
- The color of the tag will gradually change from red to purple to black, and then it will fall off.
- Small skin tags disappear more quickly than large ones.
- Do not use this remedy on your eyelids.
- Mix oils properly otherwise it makes the skin red around the tag.
- You can also use any carrier oil like olive oil, jojoba oil, etc.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti- fungal. It dries out skin tags from inside the body and keeps skin free of the impurities that cause them. Make sure that not to ingest this oil, it can cause diarrhea, drowsiness, and vomiting. Call a doctor immediately if your experience these reactions. If you have sensitive skin, use equal parts water and tea tree oil.
Process 1:
- Wash and dry the skin around the tag.
- Soak a cotton ball and squeeze it to wring out excess water.
- Pour 3 drops of tea tree oil onto the wet cotton ball.
- Use cotton ball to massage skin tag gently for 3 minutes.
- Leave solution on.
- Repeat 3 times daily until they disappear.
- Don’t apply this oil directly as it irritates the skin.
Process 2:
- Mix 3 drops of tea tree oil, 4 drops of apple cider vinegar, and 5 drops of lemon juice.
- Soak a cotton ball in the solution.
- Place it on the skin tag and cover with a band-aid
- Repeat 2 times a day for 10 days.
3. Castor Oil
Castor oil softens and cleanses skin, and baking soda dries out skin tags. Together these ingredients remove tumors, moles, and brown spots. Use this method externally only. Rub castor oil into the skin tag 5 times a day, or follow the methods below.
Process 1:
- Mix castor oil and baking soda to make a thick paste.
- Apply to skin tag and cover with bandage.
- Leave on overnight.
- Repeat every night for 10 days so that the tags will fall off.
Process 2:
- Mix castor oil with a few drops of lomatium herbal extract.
- Rub on skin tag.
- Repeat 2-3 times a day until the skin tags completely cured.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains alpha hydroxy acid and acidic acid which help to remove dead skin cells, reducing skin tags, warts, moles, and acne without leaving scars. It can be used topically and internally to detoxify skin and the body. The potassium and enzymes in apple cider vinegar provide the body with the protein it needs to generate smooth new skin.
Process:
- Wash and dry the skin around the tag.
- Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and squeeze it to wring out excess vineagr.
- Apply to skin tags and leave on.
- Repeat 3 times daily.
- Note: Apple cider vinegar may cause stinging and itching with its acidic property.
- For sensitive skin, dilute equal amount of ACV with water.
- You can also use sore apple juice instead of ACV
5. Garlic
Garlic contains selenium, proteins, sulfur, anti-oxidants, enzymes, and minerals that improve skin quality. Antioxidant enzyme and mineral in selenium and antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral in allicin helps to get rid of the tags.
Process:
- Wash skin tag area with water and pat dry.
- Crush, mince, or puree garlic.
- Apply paste to skin tags.
- Cover with bandages.
- Leave on overnight.
- Wash off next day morning.
- Repeat regularly for 3 to 4 weeks to get rid of skin tags.
6. Pineapple
Pineapple has vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system, and it hydrates the skin to make it look younger and smoother. Pineapple juice also clears away dead skin cells and helps the body generate collagen, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and scars.
Process:
- Wash the skin tag with warm water.
- Blend few pieces of pineapple.
- Use a cotton ball to apply pineapple juice to it.
- Repeat 3 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks.
- Or Drink pineapple juice daily.
7. Fig Stem Juice
Fig stem juice strengthens the immune system to prevent skin infections, and it balances the skin’s pH levels. It also contains antioxidants, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, which help remove skin tags, warts, moles, and pimples.
Process:
- Put fig stems in a blender to extract juice.
- Wash skin tags with warm water and pat dry.
- Use a cotton ball to apply fig stem juice to skin tags.
- Leave it on and reapply 3 times a day.
- Continue for 3 weeks.
8. Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice kills bacteria and dries out skin tags. It also contains magnesium and calcium, which strengthen the immune system and also cleans the skin thoroughly to prevent many skin problems.
Process:
- Cut a lemon in half and squeeze each half to extract juice.
- Use a cotton ball to apply juice to skin tag.
- Repeat 3 times a day.
- Results should be visible in 2-3 weeks.
9. Aloe Vera and Turmeric
Aloe Vera is antibacterial and anti–inflammatory. It breaks the bacteria in the inner skin and clears it without any scars. It detoxifies skin to prevent blemishes of all types. It also contains vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and amino acids help to cure the skin tag and the vitamins and minerals increases immunity of the skin and helps to get rid of the tag without any marks or scars. Turmeric is anti-bacterial help to fight against the infection and purifies the blood to get rid of the skin tags.
Process:
- Extract gel from fresh aloe vear.
- Mix it with enough turmeric to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to the skin tag with cotton ball.
- Massage gently and cover with bandage along with the cotton ball.
- Leave on all day and take off at night.
- Repeat daily till the skin tags falls off.
- Or you can simply apply aloe vera gel and massage gently.
- Leave for few minutes and repeat regularly.
10. Banana Peel
Bananas have potassium, vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. Vitamins help to remove skin tag, potassium moistures the skin and antioxidants clean the skin and remove the bacteria to prevent skin tags.
Process:
- Wash the skin tag with warm water and pat dry.
- Peel a banana and cut a piece of peel big enough to cover the tag.
- Rub the peel on the tag, white side down.
- Place the peel over the tag and cover with bandage.
- Leave on overnight.
- Repeat nightly for a few weeks.
11. Onion Juice
Onions have anti-oxidants and phytonutrients that detoxify the body and the skin, preventing skin tags, moles, and warts. They also contain vitamins and minerals that keep the digestive system healthy and protect skin from harmful UV rays that cause aging and wrinkles.
Process:
- Mince an onion and put it in a container with a pinch of salt.
- Leave it overnight.
- In the morning, strain through cheesecloth to extract juice.
- Keep this bowl aside till night.
- Apply juice to skin tag at night and cover with bandage.
- Leave on overnight.
- Before going to sleep, remember to cut another onion and place it in vessel with salt to use next day.
- Remove bandage next day morning and wash it with warm water.
- Repeat nightly for 10 – 12 days to see the result.
12. Dandelion
Dandelion prevents hormonal imbalances, detoxifies the body and skin, and promotes collagen production. If you’re allergic to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, or marigolds, you may be allergic to dandelion. It may also interact with certain medications, so consult a doctor before use.
Process:
- Extract juice from dandelion root and apply to skin tag.
- Leave until it dries completely.
- Reapply 3 times a day to treat skin tags.
- Or You can apply the juice extracted from dandelion stem
13. Cauliflower Juice
Cauliflower has vitamins A, B, & C, manganese, calcium, minerals, and anti-oxidants that prevent infection and keep skin healthy. It increases oxygen flow, strengthens the immune system, and detoxifies to prevent skin tags.
Process:
- Peel a potato and cut into pieces.
- Put it in a blender with 2 garlic cloves and 1 cup cauliflower chunks.
- Add water and blend until smooth.
- Apply to skin tag, cover with bandage, and leave on overnight.
- Next day remove bandage and wash with warm water.
- Repeat nightly for few days.
14. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek has anti-oxidants the protect skin from harmful UV rays to slow aging. It is anti-inflammatory, and it promotes new cell generation.
Process:
- Soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
- In the morning, strain the water and drink it on empty stomach.
- Wait 30 minutes before eating anything else.
- Repeat daily to get rid of skin tags.
15. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E contains antioxidants which protect skin from UV rays and reduce the appearance of blemishes, scars, and stretch marks. It smoothes, moisturizes, and heals skin while clearing away impurities and toxins that cause skin tags.
Process:
- Wash skin tag with warm water and pat dry.
- Apply vitamin E oil to skin as a thin layer.
- Cover with bandage.
- Repeat twice a day for few days.
16. Ginger
Ginger has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which help to clear the skin tags. Ginger detoxifies the body and the skin to prevent blemishes of all kinds. Three times a day, rub a slice of fresh ginger root on the skin tag for 5 minutes, or follow the process below.
Process:
- Peel the ginger and grate it.
- Apply grated ginger to the skin tag.
- Cover it with a bandage and leave on overnight.
- Wash with warm water in the morning.
- You can apply ginger paste instead of grated ginger.
- Or apply ginger juice twice a day.
- Do this process regularly
17. Potato
Potatoes contain vitamin C, which helps heal skin tags without leaving scars. It also removes dead skin cells to detoxify and prevent skin tags.
Process:
- Place a very thin slice of potato on the skin tag.
- Cover it with a bandage and leave it on for 2 hours.
- Rinse with water and repeat daily for 2 weeks.
- You can also apply grated potato or potato juice.
18. Bloodroot
Bloodroot prevents circulation to the skin tag, effectively starving it to death. Overuse of bloodroot can harm the skin and body, and it should only be used externally.
Process:
- Wash the tag with warm water and pat dry.
- Mix bloodroot powder with enough water to make a paste.
- Apply it to the skin tag and cover with bandage.
- Leave on 2 hours, then remove bandage and rinse thoroughly.
- Repeat 2 times a day for 3 days.
- Don’t mix this remedy with other remedies.
- Don’t apply bloodroot to the eyelids, genitals, lips, or nose.
- Do not use of you are pregnant or nursing, and don’t use this remedy on children.
- Do not use any other remedies when using this remedy.
19. Essential Oils
Essential oils keep skin healthy and remove impurities and blemishes without scarring.
Process 1:
- Mix 8 teaspoons of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of oregano oil, and ½ teaspoon of basil oil.
- Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to the skin tag.
- Leave on 40 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
- Repeat daily.
Process 2:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of lime oil with 2 teaspoons of avocado oil.
- Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to the skin tag.
- Leave on 20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Repeat twice daily.
20. Black Walnut Hull Tincture
The black walnut contains proteins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that help eliminate bacteria from the body and skin. It also contains juglone, which makes the skin cells in the tag so toxic that the body itself kills them off. For sensitive skin, use the water-based recipe. Only use this remedy externally. Wear gloves and an apron to avoid staining. Don’t use this remedy if you are pregnant and have ulcer problem.
Process 1:
- Remove green husks from 10 black walnuts.
- Submerge the husks in water and bring to a boil.
- Turn off heat and cover.
- Let it sit for 24 hours, then strain.
- Optional: add vitamin C powder.
- Apply water to skin tag 3 times a day.
- Repeat daily.
Process 2:
- Remove green husks from 10 black walnuts.
- Place husks in a jar and pour enough grain alcohol to cover them.
- Cover with lid and leave for 2 days without disturbing.
- After 48 days strain the solution and add equal quantities of water to it.
- Stir well and apply solution with cotton ball to skin tag.
- Repeat 2 to 3 times a day regularly.
21. Baking Soda
Baking soda dries out skin tags, kills the bacteria that cause them, and balances the skin’s pH levels.
Process:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with enough water to make a paste.
- Apply paste to skin tag.
- Leave on until dry, then rinse.
- Repeat 3 times a day to get rid of skin tags.
22. Frankincense
Frankincense has regenerative properties that promote the growth of new, healthy skin and increases the blood circulation. The nutrients in it, removes the tag without any pain and scar. Do not use for children if you are pregnant and nursing mother. Do a patch test before using.
Process 1:
- Mix Frankincense Oil with castor oil.
- Use a cotton ball to apply it to the skin tag.
- Cover with bandage.
- Before going to bed remove bandage and apply again.
- Cover with new bandage and leave on overnight.
- Repeat regularly.
Process 2:
- Apply therapeutic frankincense grade essential oil to the skin tag using this q – tip.
- Leave it like that and continue doing this daily for few days.
23. Apple Juice
Apple has pectin which helps to heal many skin problems including this skin tags. Apply fresh, organic apple juice to skin tags 3 times a day.
24. Nail Polish
Nail polish dries out skin tags, causing them to fall off. It stings when applied, but only for a minute. Do not use this method on children.
Process:
- Wash and dry the skin tag.
- Cover it with polish.
- Let it dry and then remove.
- Repeat 3 times a day till you get result.
25. Aspirin
Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which exfoliates the skin to remove impurities and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and skin tags. It also encourages collagen production, which makes skin look smoother and younger.
Process:
- Crush an aspirin tablet.
- Apply the powder to the skin tag.
- Cover with duct tape and leave on overnight.
- Wash in the morning.
- Repeat daily for 2 to 3 weeks.
- Or, crush the tablet and mix powder with water.
- Apply to skin tag and leave on until dry.
- Wash off and repeat 3 times a day.
- Optional: You can also add pinch of baking soda to aspirin and water mixture.
26. Duct Tape
Duct tape has three separate layers like backing, intermediate and adhesive. The adhesive layer sticks with the skin to remove the skin tags.
Process:
- Wash the skin tag with warm water and pat dry.
- Cover it with a piece of duct tape.
- Leave it on 10 -12 days.
27. Comfrey
Comfrey hydrates and brightens skin. It contains vitamins B12, B1, B2, A, C, E, Iron, Manganese, calcium, and phosphorus. It helps the body generate new, healthy skin, and it kills the bacteria that cause skin tags. Comfrey also contains a substance called allantion, which helps cells grow faster. The rosmarinic acid in comfrey protects skin from UV rays and harmful microorganisms. Simply use skin care products that contain comfrey. Don’t use this method for children and if you’re pregnant and nursing mother.
Tips for Treating and Preventing Skin Tags:
- Make sure what you have is actually a skin tag before using these treatments.
- If you experience adverse reactions to these treatments, see a doctor.
- Keep sugar levels under control, especially if you have diabetes.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fiber and fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Eat foods rich in iron and zinc.
- Try to keep hormones in balance.
- Wash skin regularly and thoroughly.
- Drink 8 glasses of water a day to detoxify body and skin.
- Wear loose clothing and jewelry that do not rub or cause friction on the skin.
- Try natural remedies before commercial ones in order to avoid unwanted side effects.
- Eat foods rich in anti-oxidants.
- Make sure your body gets enough good bacteria to balance out bad bacteria.
- Avoid sugar, fat, grease, caffeine, and processed foods.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Avoid cheap skin creams.
- If skin tags persist, see a doctor.
Have you tried any of these methods for removing skin tags? Which ones worked best for you? Share your experience with us!
1 comment
What about turermin paste with ginger?