Skin Tag Removal at Home - Home Remedy for Skin Tags

Skin tag is a type of skin outgrowth and is usually harmless and non cancerous. Still, many individuals prefer to get rid of it for cosmetic reasons. The article discusses some commonly applied methods to remove it.
Acrochordon, fibroepithelial polyp, cutaneous papilloma, fibroma molluscum, fibroma pendulum and papilloma colli, are some of the terms used to refer to a skin tag that is usually found as a small piece of hanging flesh or skin. However, the most common name of this benign skin growth is 'skin tag' or 'cutaneous skin tag'. It is characterized by a slender and small stalk, known as peduncle. Skin tags or acrochorda, are more commonly found in those areas of the body where the skin forms creases. Therefore, the neck, armpits, upper chest, groin and eyelids are the areas which are more affected by skin tags. They are usually harmless, as they are non-cancerous and painless.

Causes of Acrochorda
The exact causes are not known, though they are more commonly found in middle-aged and older individuals. They are caused by skin chafing or rubbing. An association has been observed between obesity and skin tags. Another possible cause can be insulin resistance, as they are often found in diabetic people. Pregnant women are also likely to develop this problem. In addition to all these, role of genetics in the development of skin tags has been suspected, while in rare instances, human papillomavirus (HPV) is found to be associated with skin tags. On the other hand, multiple skin tags are believed to be inked to hormonal or endocrinal syndrome.

Acrochorda Removal
As they usually do not pose any kind of health hazard, no treatment is required unless they are irritated due to rubbing of the skin and clothing or jewelry. However, some people want to get rid of skin tags, mainly for cosmetic reasons. The usual treatment includes cauterization, cryosurgery, surgical excision and laser surgery. Cauterization involves the use of an electric current or chemical compounds for destroying the tissues of the skin tags, while cryosurgery is the method that uses liquid nitrogen for freezing them. On the other hand, laser surgery uses laser beams to achieve this purpose and surgical excision involves the conventional method of cutting off any outgrowth.

Due to the cost involved in the medical surgical procedures, many individuals look for some home remedies for this condition. One common practice in this regard is to tie it tightly at the stalk or peduncle and then cut it off with a sharp scissor. However, the scissor should be properly washed and sterilized with the help of alcohol, before being used. It is also important to apply a medicated or antiseptic ointment on the area to prevent any kind of infection. Another easy method is to use a thread or dental floss for tying the skin tag at the base or stalk for a few days. This will cut off blood supply to the skin tag and it will fall off within a few days.

An ideal home remedy is the application of apple cider vinegar. Applying tea tree oil on the area, 2 to 3 times a day, can also be effective in removing it. Just clean it properly and then apply some tea tree oil and massage the area. Many people use nail polish on it, which however, should not be used in case of tags that grow on eyelids and other sensitive areas. Castor oil and baking soda are also suitable for treating this condition. For this, make a fine paste of Castor oil and baking soda and apply 2 to 3 times daily, on the affected area. Duct tape is also used for removing skin tag. Just cover it with a piece of duct tape and leave it for 2 to 3 days. This will weaken the tag, which in turn, will fall off on its own. If it does not fall off, then reapply a piece of duct tape.

However, removing skin tags yourself may pose some health related risks. Some of the methods like cutting the skin tags or tying them tightly with a thread, can cause infection and bleeding. Again, some other skin conditions like moles, seborrheic keratoses, warts and melanomas may be confused with skin tags. So, it is advisable to consult a physician for distinguishing them from these other skin conditions.
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