Skin tags are small, flesh-colored outgrowths on the skin. They look like warts and can easily be confused as one. While not painful, skin tags can be unsightly. It can also be a source of insecurity for many women. Commonly found in the eyelid, neck, face, and groin area, skin tags often grow in irregular shapes. Sometimes they grow in hidden body parts like under the breasts and the armpits.
Skin tags can be caused by a lot of factors. Some of these include cuts or scratches from shaving, skin rubbing from jewellery, excessive steroid use, and hormonal changes due to pregnancy. Medical conditions that cause skin tags include diabetes and obesity.
Removal of skin tags can be done in the doctor’s office, but there are also natural ways that’s much cheaper and equally effective. The following are natural remedies for skin tags you can try at home.
1. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil, also called melaleuca oil, is an essential oil that is native to South-eastern parts of Queensland and Australia. It is known to have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties which make it a popular treatment for many different ailments and skin conditions. A study found that mixing tea tree oil with silver also makes an effective antiseptic.
To use tea tree oil to treat your skin tags, simply put a few drops of oil on a cotton ball. Lightly rub it on the skin tag in circular motions. Apply twice a day until the skin tag disappears.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
For thousands of years, apple cider vinegar was used as a traditional medicine for many conditions ranging from toothache and poisoning, to dandruff and allergies. Apple cider is also known as a common ingredient in traditional beauty products. It was even said that Cleopatra herself used apple cider vinegar to treat her face.
To use apple cider vinegar as a skin tag treatment, either dab some on with your finger or gently apply with a cotton ball. Make sure you clean the area of the skin tag properly before hand. Once applied, the apply cider vinegar may cause a slight stinging sensation. Leave it on for a couple minutes or until it dries.
3. Oregano oil
As a common culinary herb, Oregano is known for its strong aromatic leaves. It also contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat skin tags. Treating skin tags with Oregano oil can take as long as 2-4 weeks. For best results, mix oregano and coconut oil at a ratio of 1:2. Apply to the skin tag three times daily until it is fully treated.
You can tell it is working by the skin tag begins to darken in color. It will go almost black before dropping off. This remedy is not suitable for sensitive areas such as around the eyelids and genital area.
4. Castor oil
Castor oil is the oil obtained from castor beans. It’s often yellowish in color, commonly used as a lubricant and as an ingredient in various oil-based merchandise. Because of its antibacterial qualities, castor oil is used to prevent the growth of many types of bacteria as well as to protect the body from viruses.
5. Lemon juice
A recent study found that Lemon juice is a great disinfectant against human norovirus. Because of its acidic nature, lemon juice is often used in cleaning and is found in many dishwashing liquids. Lemon juice can be a good remedy for skin tags because it contains citric acid, which works to decompose the cells present within the skin growth. It is also contains powerful antiseptic that prevent bacteria from growing in the area.
