Skin tags are common, harmless growths. Some of the many home removal techniques are more effective than others. Doctors often warn against their use, however.
Almost half of all adults have skin tags. They cause no medical complications, but they can be bothersome.
While skin tags require no treatment and may fall away on their own, a doctor may recommend a simple medical procedure to remove any that catch on clothing or cause pain.
People may also want to remove skin tags for cosmetic reasons, especially when they are on visible areas, such as the face.
In this article, Medical News Today spoke with skin expert Kemunto Mokaya, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, to learn about the safest and most effective ways to remove skin tags at home.
Home remedies for skin tag removal
Some techniques for removing skin tags at home are more effective and safe than others. There are also plenty of products on the market for this purpose.
Check with a doctor before trying any of the following:
Skin tag removal bands and patches
A skin tag removal band cuts off the supply of blood to the base of the skin tag. Without a supply of blood, the cells die, and the tag falls away. This process is known as ligation.
Removal patches contain medications. If a person leaves a patch on a tag for several days or weeks, the tag may come off.
However, Dr. Mokaya says: “I’m honestly not a fan of over-the-counter skin tag removal devices, and especially removal patches. They are not regulated by the [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)]. Many simply don’t work.”
Instead, she strongly recommends having skin tags removed in a medical setting.
Removal creams
These creams can be effective in some cases. Dr. Mokaya recommends avoiding products that contain salicylic acid and tea tree oil because these ingredients can irritate the skin or cause contact dermatitis.
The instructions for using some of these creams recommend cleaning the skin with an alcohol wipe and filing down the tag before applying the cream to ensure that the skin fully absorbs it.
According to the labeling on some of these products, the skin tag should fall off within 2–3 weeks.
Freezing kits
In a clinical setting, healthcare professionals use liquid nitrogen to destroy unwanted skin tissue. This is known as cryotherapy.
Cryotherapy may involve temperatures of −320.8°F (-195°C), says Dr. Mokaya. Benign lesions such as skin tags require temperatures of −4°F to −58°F.
Dr. Mokaya recommends doing research and selecting the over-the-counter kit that can reach the lowest temperature when used appropriately.
As always, follow the instructions. People may need to apply the product several times before the growth falls away.
When using home freezing kits, avoid letting the spray touch the surrounding skin. Applying petroleum jelly to the area around the tag beforehand can help protect the skin.
Source: Medical News Today
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