Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, benign growths that typically appear on areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. While harmless, they can be bothersome or unsightly for some people. Fortunately, several home remedies can help remove skin tags naturally. Here are five effective remedies, each detailing the ingredients, procedure, frequency of use, and expected initial results.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar: Contains acetic acid, which helps break down the tissue surrounding the skin tag.
- Cotton Ball: For application.
- Band-Aid or Medical Tape: To secure the cotton ball in place.
Procedure:
- Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar.
- Squeeze out the excess vinegar to avoid dripping.
- Place the soaked cotton ball on the skin tag.
- Secure it with a Band-Aid or medical tape.
- Leave it on for about 15-30 minutes, then remove and wash the area with warm water.
How Frequent to Apply:
Apply this remedy once daily for one to two weeks.
Initial Result:
You may notice the skin tag darkening and eventually drying up within a few days to a week.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Ingredients:
- 3-5 drops Tea Tree Oil: Has antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic properties that help dry out skin tags.
- 2 tablespoons Water: To dilute the tea tree oil.
- Cotton Ball: For application.
- Band-Aid or Medical Tape: To secure the cotton ball in place.
Procedure:
- Dilute tea tree oil with water.
- Soak a cotton ball in the diluted tea tree oil.
- Place the cotton ball on the skin tag and secure it with a Band-Aid or medical tape.
- Leave it on for about 15-30 minutes, then remove and wash the area with warm water.
How Frequent to Apply:
Apply this remedy twice daily for one to two weeks.
Initial Result:
The skin tag should begin to dry out and shrink within a few days, eventually falling off after regular use.
3. Banana Peel
Ingredients:
- 1 small piece of Banana Peel: Contains enzymes that help dissolve the skin tag.
- Band-Aid or Medical Tape: To secure the banana peel in place.
Procedure:
- Cut a small piece of banana peel.
- Place the inner side of the peel directly on the skin tag.
- Secure it with a Band-Aid or medical tape.
- Leave it on overnight.
- Remove in the morning and wash the area with warm water.
How Frequent to Apply:
Apply this remedy nightly until the skin tag falls off.
Initial Result:
You should notice the skin tag beginning to shrink and dry up within a few days to a week.
4. Garlic Paste
Ingredients:
- 1-2 Garlic Cloves: Contains sulfur compounds that help break down the skin tag.
- Band-Aid or Medical Tape: To secure the garlic paste in place.
Procedure:
- Crush the garlic cloves to form a paste.
- Apply the garlic paste directly onto the skin tag.
- Cover it with a Band-Aid or medical tape.
- Leave it on overnight.
- Remove in the morning and wash the area with warm water.
How Frequent to Apply:
Apply this remedy nightly until the skin tag falls off.
Initial Result:
The skin tag should start to dry out and reduce in size within a few days, eventually falling off with regular application.
5. Castor Oil and Baking Soda
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Castor Oil: Helps dissolve the skin tag.
- 1 tablespoon Baking Soda: Acts as an exfoliant and helps dry out the skin tag.
- Band-Aid or Medical Tape: To secure the mixture in place.
Procedure:
- Mix castor oil and baking soda to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste directly onto the skin tag.
- Cover it with a Band-Aid or medical tape.
- Leave it on for a few hours or overnight.
- Wash the area with warm water after removing the paste.
How Frequent to Apply:
Apply this remedy twice daily until the skin tag falls off.
Initial Result:
You should see the skin tag begin to shrink and dry out within a week of regular application.