You can remove skin tags using surgical methods like cryosurgery, but there are also at-home remedies and over-the-counter products that may help by causing the tags to dry out and fall off naturally.

Skin tags are benign, soft growths that typically appear in skin folds around the neck, armpits, breasts, groin, and eyelids. They consist of loose collagen fibers that get trapped in thicker areas of skin.

According to Dr. Kemunto Mokaya, these growths are extremely common, affecting nearly half of the population. They’re more likely to develop in older adults, individuals with obesity, and those with diabetes.

While generally harmless, skin tags can become painful if caught on clothing or jewelry. If they cause discomfort, there are options for removal. Below are some home remedies, over-the-counter treatments, and surgical options to help eliminate skin tags.

Home Remedies for Skin Tags

In most cases, skin tags don’t need medical attention or treatment. If you want to remove one, you might be able to do so using items from your kitchen or medicine cabinet. Most home remedies focus on drying out the skin tag until it shrinks and eventually falls off.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, known for its antiviral and antifungal properties, is safe for skin use when diluted with a carrier oil. To use it, first, clean the affected area. Then, with a cotton swab, gently apply the oil to the skin tag. Cover the area with a bandage overnight and repeat the process for several nights. The tag should eventually dry out and fall off.

Banana Peel
Banana peels can also be effective for drying out skin tags, thanks to their antioxidant properties. To use this method, place a small piece of banana peel over the tag and secure it with a bandage. Repeat nightly until the tag detaches.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Soak a cotton swab in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the skin tag. Cover the area with a bandage and leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes, then wash the skin. Repeat daily for a couple of weeks. The acidity in apple cider vinegar helps break down the skin tag’s tissue, causing it to fall off.

Vitamin E
Aging may contribute to the formation of skin tags. Vitamin E, an antioxidant known for maintaining skin health and reducing wrinkles, can also help remove them. Massage liquid vitamin E into the skin tag and surrounding area. Over time, the tag should shrink and fall off.

Garlic
Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can improve the skin’s appearance. To remove a skin tag naturally, apply crushed garlic to the tag and cover it with a bandage overnight. Wash the area in the morning. Repeat the process until the tag shrinks and disappears.

Over-the-Counter Products for Skin Tags
In addition to home remedies, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) products available that can help safely remove skin tags. Freezing kits, which use cryotherapy (extreme cold temperatures), destroy unwanted skin tissue. Temperatures between -4°F and -58°F are required to effectively remove skin tags. Look for OTC wart or skin tag removal kits that reach these low temperatures. Although removal creams and cryotherapy can cause minor irritation or contact dermatitis, they are generally effective for short-term use.

When to See a Doctor
Since some moles can resemble skin tags and may be cancerous, it’s a good idea to have any unusual skin growths examined by a doctor. Your dermatologist or family physician can diagnose skin tags through a visual exam or via telehealth consultations. Though most skin tags are noncancerous, your doctor may recommend a biopsy if the tag appears atypical or suspicious.

Surgical Procedures for Skin Tags
Skin tag removal is a common outpatient procedure. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, your doctor may choose one of the following techniques, depending on the size and location of the skin tag:

• Cauterization: Heat is used to remove the skin tag.
• Cryosurgery: A small amount of liquid nitrogen freezes off the tag.
• Electrocautery: An electric current is used to burn off the tag.
• Ligation: The blood flow to the tag is cut off with surgical thread.
• Surgery: The skin tag is snipped off with surgical scissors. Depending on its size and location, bandages or stitches may be needed.

Post-Removal Care
Skin tag removal rarely leads to infections or complications, but some people may develop a scar that fades over time. After removing a skin tag at home, apply an antibiotic ointment to the area and cover it with a bandage to reduce the risk of infection. If the area becomes painful or starts bleeding, see a doctor. If a medical procedure was used to remove the tag, follow your doctor’s instructions, which may include keeping the wound dry for at least 48 hours and cleaning it gently after. A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to check the wound or remove stitches if necessary.

What Causes Skin Tags?
The exact cause of skin tags is unclear, though they often appear in skin folds, suggesting that friction may be a factor. Skin tags are made up of blood vessels and collagen surrounded by skin. Studies suggest a correlation between skin tags and the human papillomavirus (HPV). Insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes, may also play a role. A 2010 study found a link between multiple skin tags and insulin resistance, high body mass index (BMI), and elevated triglycerides.

Skin tags are also common during pregnancy, likely due to hormonal changes and weight gain. In rare cases, multiple skin tags may indicate a hormone imbalance or endocrine issue. There may also be a genetic link, as skin tags tend to run in families. However, they are not contagious.

Takeaway
While skin tags are generally harmless and don’t require treatment, home remedies and OTC products can offer an inexpensive solution. If a skin tag doesn’t respond to home treatments, bleeds, or continues to grow, consult a doctor. Several medical procedures can remove skin tags with minimal pain and scarring.