16 Effective Home Remedies to Remove Skin Tags

Reviewed by: | Author: Manoja Kalakanti
This content has been Medically reviewed by Dr. Surya Kedara, MBBS – General Physician

Skin tags are scientifically known as achrochordon, they are harmless growths on the skin surface that look like tiny flaps of skin. Although non-cancerous and benign in nature, they can affect the physical appearance and self-esteem of a person if they appear on the face or other exposed parts of the body like arms and legs. Skin tags constitute of nerve cells, fibers, and fat cells and are covered by the epidermis layer of the skin. Skin tags commonly appear on body parts that have creases on the skin like eyelids, underarms, neck, chest, breasts and the groin. They are more common among people suffering from diabetes, obesity or overweight issues and pregnant women.

Home Remedies to Remove Skin Tags

The number of skin tags present on the skin may vary from one to hundreds. Although there are a number of cosmetic procedures to remove skin tags, like other issues of the skin where we use natural treatments like in the case of psoriasis, warts, moles and corns, it is best to opt for mild home remedies for skin tags as well, which are effective but not harsh on the skin.

What Causes Skin Tags?

Skin tags are common among both men and women, and they occur generally during midlife, after the age of 50. It is believed that rubbing or friction created by skin rubbing against skin causes skin tags. This explains why skin tags are usually found on skin with creases and folds. Some studies also show that there is a link between skin tags and human papilloma virus (HPV), so people with low-risk HPV 6 and 11 have greater chances of developing skin tags. In certain cases, improper steroid use also causes the formation of skin tags because the steroids interfere with the muscles, promoting the collagen fibers of the skin to bond. People suffering from obesity or those who are overweight also have skin tags most probably because there are more skin folds in their bodies.

 Skin Tags

Top 16 Home Remedies for Skin Tag Removal at Home

Forget surgery and cosmetic treatments, and remove skin tags naturally at home with the help of these 16 time-tested natural remedies!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Pure apple cider vinegar is a one-stop remedy for all types of skin and hair problems, and it is a natural way to treat dandruff, itchy scalp and scalp infections. It is also beneficial for skin tag removal at home naturally. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar breaks down the cells and tissues of the skin tag so that it falls off just after a few applications. It is best to soak the skin tag with some warm water or a few minutes before application of apple cider vinegar. People with sensitive skin type should thin the apple cider vinegar by adding some water to it.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Immerse a cotton swab in apple cider vinegar and apply it directly to the skin tag and leave like that. Repeat the cure 3 times a day for a few weeks in order to remove the skin tag. You might feel a stinging sensation after application of the vinegar, but it will go away soon.

Oregano Oil

Oregano is not only an intensely aromatic herb that is used to spice up dishes, but the essential oil of oregano is also useful for skin tag removal. The phenolic terpenoids compounds like carvacrol, thymol and p-cymene present in oregano oil possess powerful anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimelanomic, antiseptic and anti-oxidative properties that help in destroying the skin tags from the roots by drying it out. But it is best to apply oregano oil after diluting with some carrier oil in order to prevent skin irritation and red marks.

Oregano Oil

Mix 3 drops of oregano oil with 6 drops of coconut oil and apply it to the skin tag 3 times a day. It will take roughly 3 to 4 weeks from then for the skin tag to drop off.

Fig Stem Juice

Figs are one of the most popular fruits with a delicious and refreshing taste, enjoyed by people all around the world. The juice extracted from a fig stem is one of the most effective home remedies for skin tag removal. The acidic nature of fig stem juice helps in correcting the alkaline-acid balance of the skin and removes skin tags by disintegrating the cells and tissues which make up the tags.

Fig Stem

Take a few fig stems and crush them in order to extract the juice. Apply this juice directly on the skin tags. Repeat this treatment 3 to 4 times every day for 2 to 4 weeks to get rid of skin tags.

Tea Tree Oil

The benefits of tea tree essential oil for skin are numerous. The two main ingredients in tea tree oil – terpinene and cineol are useful to treat a wide variety of skin diseases and problems. Tea tree oil is a natural treatment for oily skin and is a natural skin tag removal remedy as well. It shows prompt results without causing any pain. The oil dries out the skin tags from within thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal and antibacterial properties, so the skin tag falls off on its own. The antiseptic properties of the oil also prevent further infection after the skin tag has been removed.

Tea Tree Oil

Wet a cotton ball with water and squash out the excess water, trickle a few drops of tea tree oil on the wet cotton ball and press it on the skin tag and massage gently for a few minutes. Repeat this treatment 3 times a day daily till the skin tag falls off.

Lemon Juice

When it comes to remedies for skin problems, there is nothing like raw lemon juice. Application of lemon juice is a potent cure for dark circles around eyes. Lemon juice is also one of the most inexpensive home remedies to remove skin tags which are readily available in the kitchen. The citric acid found in lemon juice decomposes the cells and tissues of the skin tag and erodes it away with time. Regular application of lemon juice will bring about some changes in the color and texture of the skin tag. But it is important to wash away the lemon juice from skin thoroughly before stepping out in the sun because it makes skin more sensitive.

Lemon juice

Squeeze out the juice of half a lemon and use a cotton ball to smear the juice on the skin tags. Leave it for 1 to 2 hours and then wash off with water. Repeat it 2 to 3 times a day for 2 weeks and see your skin tag coming off.

Garlic

This strong herb is not only widely popular for spicing up dishes, but garlic also has amazing medicinal properties which make it an important ingredient for Ayurvedic treatments. Garlic is especially effective in healing skin diseases, and is one of the best remedies to treat ringworm in humans. Garlic is also the best skin tag removal solution thanks to its potent antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The natural enzymes present in garlic shrinks and dries out skin tags. But one must be careful about the heat of garlic, which can cause skin irritation.

garlic cloves

Press some cloves of garlic and apply the paste directly to the skin tag, cover it with a bandage. Allow it to stay like this for 2 or 3 hours and then remove the bandage. Repeat this treatment 2 times a day for 1 week to remove skin tags completely.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is loaded with amazing medicinal properties, and is a rich source of protein. Soaked fenugreek seed paste is one of the most popular natural remedies for hair growth. The potent antioxidants present in fenugreek seeds also make it one of the most functional skin tag home remedies. The antioxidants present in fenugreek seeds remove dead skin cells and shrink the size of the skin tags, and eventually make it disappear completely.

fenugreek seeds

Steep 2 to 3 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in a glass of warm water overnight, strain the water and drink it first thing in the morning on empty stomach. But note that the fenugreek herb is not suitable for people suffering from anaemia or thyroid problems.

Pineapple Juice

This is a rather delicious remedy for the removal of skin tags. The acidic nature of pineapple juice makes it a useful natural remedy for removing suntans, and the enzymes found in pineapple helps in improving the functions of the digestive system. It is the enzymes of pineapples that degenerate cells and tissues of skin tags so that they shrink and fall off by themselves over the course of time. It is also useful for getting rid of warts and moles.

Pineapple

Cut a few pieces of pineapple and crush them to extract the juice. Dab this juice on the skin tag using a cotton ball, but don’t wash it off. Repeat this treatment 2 times a day for 10 days to see wonderful results.

Onion Juice

Although onions are popularly used in home remedies for promoting hair growth, the topical application of onion juice or onion slices is also one of the easiest ways to remove skin tags. The highly acidic nature of onions destroys the cells and tissues that comprise the skin tags so that they fall off by themselves.

Onions

Chop 1 onion into small cubes and add 1/2 teaspoons of salt to it. Mix and leave overnight. The next morning, crush the salted onion to extract the juice and apply the juice on the tags. Wrap the area with a bandage. Repeat this treatment 1 time daily for 10 to 12 days for best results.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is the favourite remedy of grandmothers all over, they swear by the effectiveness of castor oil. Pure cold pressed castor oil is often used in homemade hair treatments for dry damaged hair, and it also promotes the growth of thicker eyebrows and eyelashes. Regular application of castor oil dries the tissues and detaches the skin tag from the skin so that it falls off eventually. This remedy shows fast effects within just 10 to 15 days.

Castor oil

Prepare a paste by adding 1 part of baking soda to 2 parts of castor oil. Smear this paste on the skin tag, cover with a bandage and leave overnight. The next morning wash the area with lukewarm water.

Aloe Vera Gel

The natural soothing and hydrating properties of pure aloe vera gel make it a popular ingredient in facepacks for dry skin. Aloe vera gel is also one of the most useful home remedies for removing skin tags naturally without causing any pain or skin irritation. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of aloe vera gel help in treating the skin tags. But you will need pure aloe vera gel for this remedy.

Break a leaf from the aloe vera plant and scrape out the gel from within. Apply this gel to the skin tag and massage in circular motion for few minutes. Allow the gel to get absorbed into the skin completely. Repeat this treatment 3 times a day for 2 weeks to get amazing results.

Baking Soda

Sodium bicarbonate, popularly known as baking soda is a common ingredient in home remedies for skin and hair. Topical application of baking soda paste is useful for treating cysts and unwanted growths, and it is the best pimple treatment at home. Being a mild exfoliating agent, baking soda also helps in removing skin tags and moles. The anti-inflammatory properties of baking soda dry out the tissues and cells of the skin tag.

baking soda

Add some baking soda to warm water to make a thick paste and smear it on the skin tag. Massage in a circular motion for few minutes, wait for 10 minutes and then wash off with water. Repeat this treatment 2 times a day for 2 weeks. Some people might experience skin irritation from baking soda, in which case this remedy should be discontinued immediately.

Cauliflower Juice

Consuming fruits and vegetables to lose weight is well known, but raw vegetables are also useful for treating various skin conditions. Cauliflower juice has the ability to remove skin tags by drying out the tissues and cells from within. It also helps in making the skin smooth and even after the skin tag has been removed.

cauliflower

Take a few small pieces of cauliflower, 1 small potato, 2 cloves of garlic and put all these things in the blender. Blend to create a smooth and thick paste. Dab it on the skin tag every night before you go to sleep. Cover the area with a surgical tape. Remove the tape in the morning and wash the area with water. Repeat this treatment every night till the skin tag is removed.

Dandelion Stem Juice

This is yet another useful and inexpensive natural remedy to remove skin tags. The juice extracted from the stems of dandelion flowers are useful in treating various skin issues like warts, moles and eczema along with skin tags. It works by drying out the skin tags from within so that they eventually fall off. Those who are allergic to flowers like marigold, daisies and chrysanthemums can also be allergic to dandelion and should, therefore, avoid this remedy.

Dandelion

Pluck a few dandelions and squeeze the stems to bring out the milky liquid. Apply this liquid directly to the skin tag and allow it to air dry. Reapply the juice 3 to 4 times a day for 2 weeks.

Vitamin E Oil

Topical application of vitamin E oil is the ultimate solution to the query of how to get a clear face naturally. Vitamin E oil is essential for maintaining and improving overall skin health and it is also one of the most useful home remedies to remove skin tags. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E oil have the potential to remove skin tags and regenerate new skin cells.

Vitamin e capsules

Cut a vitamin E capsule and apply a coat of the oil on the skin tag. Cover it with a dressing tape and leave overnight. Repeat the treatment every night for 10 days to get effective results.

Banana Peel

Most of us ignore this humble fruit because of its high-calorie content, but bananas are actually loaded with health benefitting minerals, and the same can be said for banana peels. Banana peel is a potent source of essential minerals like potassium which helps in treating and removing skin tags, moles and warts.

banana peel for psoriasis

Place the inside of a piece of banana peel over the skin tag and fix it with a bandage. Keep it like this overnight and remove the bandage the next morning. Repeat this nightly ritual daily till the skin tag is gone. It characteristically takes 10 to 12 days for the skin tag to fall off.

Use these effective remedies for skin tag removal at home and get smooth and flawless skin naturally. Don’t forget to share your home remedies and tips with us.

16 Effective Home Remedies for Skin Tag Removal – PDF

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