How To Remove Skin Tags? Explore the Effective Ways

How to remove skin tags? Skin tag removal may be the top choice if the appearance of these skin growths on your neck or anywhere else on your body bothers you. Skin tags are harmless, non-cancerous skin growths that look like they are emerging from a tiny stem. Though benign, they can sometimes become cosmetically displeasing, which leads to the decision to remove them. Though benign, they can sometimes become cosmetically displeasing, leading you to wonder what causes skin tags and how to remove them.

With advancements in the cosmetic industry, various treatments that safely remove skin tags are available. With the proper aftercare, you can achieve the smoother and more pleasing skin you deserve. In this blog, you will explore when to remove these skin growths, what treatment options are available, their benefits, and aftercare tips to complement your journey towards smoother skin. 

When To Consider Skin Tag Removal?

Though they are benign growths that do not affect your overall health, you should consider removing a skin tag if:

1. It’s causing discomfort due to friction with clothing or jewellery.
2. It’s painful or tender to touch.
3. It frequently bleeds or gets caught on things.
4. You find it bothersome or unsightly.
5. It’s growing or changing or increasing in appearance.

If you’re unsure or the skin tag looks unusual, consult your doctor to rule out other skin conditions.

How To Remove Skin Tags?

There are mainly two ways to remove skin tags:

1. Home Remedies for Skin Tags Removal

2. Professional Treatment to Remove Skin Tags

Let’s explore these 2 best ways to remove skin tags in detail.

1. Skin Tag Removal at Home

You must be wondering how to remove skin tags naturally at home.

Here are some home remedies for skin tags: 

► Tea Tree Oil

First, wash the affected area. Mix and dilute tea tree oil in a carrier oil and gently apply it to the skin tag with a cotton swab. Cover it with a bandage overnight. Repeat this process nightly until the tag dries out and falls off.

► Banana Peel

Put a piece of banana peel over the skin tag with a bandage. Do this every night until the tag falls off. The antioxidants in the peel may help dry out the tag.

► Vitamin E

Since vitamin E fights wrinkles and keeps skin healthy, massaging liquid vitamin E over the skin tag and surrounding area may help it disappear. Apply it daily until the tag falls off.

► Garlic

Add crushed garlic to the skin tag and cover it overnight with a bandage. Wash the area in the morning. You may keep practising until the skin tag falls off. Garlic’s anti-swelling properties help improve the appearance of the skin.

2. Professional Treatment to Remove Skin Tags

When you consult a skin doctor or aesthetic practitioner, they may consider surgical procedures for skin tag removal. These procedures are generally quick and performed on an outpatient basis. 

Here are the treatment methods:

► Surgical Removal

This procedure involves cutting off the skin tag at its base with surgical scissors. The doctor will carefully trim the tag away from the surrounding skin. This method might require stitches to close the wound for larger skin tags; the area is covered to protect it as it heals. This technique is effective for skin tags of various sizes and ensures complete removal.

► Shaving 

The shaving method involves using a surgical scalpel or razor to shave the mole off the skin’s surface. In a clinical setting, this method begins with cleansing the skin and applying a numbing cream to ensure it goes comfortably. The practitioner then uses a surgical razor to shave off the mole. The depth of shaving depends on the area and size of a mole. 

► Cryosurgery

This technique involves applying liquid nitrogen to the skin tag to freeze it. The extreme cold causes the skin tag to form a small blister, eventually falling off as the frozen tissue dies. Cryosurgery is effective for raised and easily reachable tags. After treatment, the area may appear red and blistered but will heal as the skin tag sloughs off.

► Electrocautery 

During electrocautery, an electric current passes through a fine wire and becomes hot. This wire is used to burn through the base of the skin tag. The heat from the electric current helps coagulate blood vessels, reducing bleeding. This method is precise and effective, especially for larger skin tags.

► Skin Tag Removal with Laser

The laser mole removal method is a non-invasive option with a quick recovery period. A skin doctor or an aesthetic practitioner performs this treatment in a clinic. They cleanse the area of concern and apply a local anaesthetic for your comfort. The laser device delivers a concentrated beam of light, which breaks down and vapourise the fibres inside the skin tag, without affecting surrounding skin.

Depending on the size of the skin tag or your specific needs, they will choose the suitable removal method for you.

Is Skin Tag Removal At Home A Safer Option?

Skin tag removal at home is generally not a safer option. There are the following risks of removing these growths at home, they include:

1. Infection
2. Heavy bleeding if not removed properly
3. Scarring after removal
4. What you think is a skin tag might be something else (misdiagnosis), like a mole or wart, that requires professional evaluation.

It’s safer to consult a healthcare provider for skin tag removal to ensure it is done correctly and safely.

Skin Tag Removal Aftercare Tips:

After having your skin tag removed, follow these tips to promote healing and get the clear skin back:

1. Keep the area clean
2. Gently clean the area with mild soap and water. 
3. Avoid scrubbing or using harsh products.
4. Use an antibiotic ointment as recommended by your doctor to help prevent infection.
5. Protect the area by covering it with a clean bandage and keeping it dry.
6. Do not pick at or scratch the area, which can lead to infection or scarring.
7. Watch for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, and contact your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
8. Keep following the additional tips that your doctor gave you, including any restrictions on activities.

Feel The Comfort After Skin Tag Removal.

In conclusion, removing skin tags can help you achieve smoother skin. While home remedies like tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar are popular, they come with risks such as infection and scarring. Consider consulting a healthcare provider for a safer, more reliable solution, especially for larger or persistent skin tags. For this, a skin tag or mole removal in Leeds ensures safe and effective results. Professional guidance and treatment are the best ways to address skin concerns while minimizing risks and achieving optimal outcomes.

FAQs About Skin Tag Removal

1. Can you safely remove skin tags yourself?

It’s not safe to remove skin tags at home. Skin tags have blood vessels and sometimes nerves, so cutting them off with scissors can cause pain and uncontrolled bleeding.

2. What is the best skin tag remover?

The most effective skin tag removal methods are snipping or freezing. Over-the-counter liquid products and home methods like dental floss or string often don’t work well and can irritate the skin.

3. What causes skin tags?

Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, form when the body produces extra cells in the top layers of the skin. They often appear in areas where skin rubs against itself, like armpits and other skin folds.

4. How do you get rid of skin tags naturally?

There are various methods. To remove skin tags naturally, apply banana peel, apple cider vinegar, crushed garlic, or tea tree oil.

5. How to remove skin tags in one night with toothpaste?

There’s no clinical evidence that toothpaste or other home remedies effectively remove skin tags. Using these methods can lead to skin irritation or infection.