Skin tags are indeed common, harmless growths, and this answers What is a skin tag? Few home remedies can remove skin tags, but doctors often warn against their use. It is advisable to contact a doctor to discuss medical procedures to remove a skin tag.

Almost half of all adults have skin tags. They tend to cause no medical complications, but they can also be bothersome.

While skin tags do require no treatment and can fall away on their own, a doctor can recommend a simple medical procedure to remove any that do catch on clothing or cause pain.

People may prefer to remove skin tags for cosmetic reasons if they are in visible areas, like the face.

What causes skin tags?

Skin tags are also referred to as acrochordons. It is unclear why they tend to develop. Skin irritation may be a cause for formation.

Other theories are:

Home remedies for skin tag removal?

Some techniques for removing skin tags at home are more effective and safer than others. There are dangers to using over-the-counter products for skin tag removal, like skin injuries, infections requiring antibiotics, and scarring.

It is best to check with a doctor before trying:

Skin tag removal bands and patches

A skin tag removal band does cut off the supply of blood to the base of the skin tag. Without a supply of blood, the cells die, and the tag then falls away. This process is referred to as ligation.

Removal patches do contain medications. If a person leaves a patch on a tag for several days or weeks, the tag may come off.

Removal creams

These creams can be effective in a few cases.  It is better to avoid products that contain salicylic acid as well as tea tree oil, as these ingredients can irritate the skin or cause contact dermatitis.

Freezing kits

In a clinical setting, healthcare professionals use liquid nitrogen to destroy unwanted skin tissue. This is known as cryotherapy.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that can help treat several skin conditions. Anecdotal evidence does suggest that it may help get rid of skin tags.

A person needs to exercise caution, as tea tree oil can irritate sensitive skin. Avoid using oil on tags in one’s eye area.

Apple cider vinegar

There is little research into whether apple cider vinegar can indeed remove skin tags. People often soak a cotton ball in the vinegar and affix it to the tag with a bandage for 10 minutes, say two or three times per day, until the tag falls away.

Keep an eye on skin irritation and avoid using it if any signs of such a reaction occur. Apple cider vinegar is very acidic and can indeed cause chemical burns. Avoid using it near one’s eyes.

What is Skin Tag? How to remove it?

Iodine

People can use liquid iodine to remove skin tags, although there is little scientific evidence about this.

Cutting or clipping

Cutting or clipping off a skin tag with the help of a sharp blade, nail clippers, or scissors can be an easy way out. It is better to seek the approval of a healthcare professional before using such methods. Also, cleansing the skin and the tool thoroughly to prevent infection is important.

People who make use of blood thinners or have bleeding disorders need to avoid this method.

Avoid cutting or clipping off medium or large tags, as it could cause bleeding. Trying to remove a mole or skin tag at home can cause a deep-seated infection or hurt a blood vessel or vein, leading to significant bleeding.

Conclusion

This answers What is a skin tag?  Solutions to deal with them are useful.

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