Skin tags are caused by skin that is rubbed or irritated by friction. Typically located in the neck, underarms, eyelids and under the breasts, they are often pieces of flesh-colored tissue connected to the surrounding skin with a small narrow stalk. Skin tags are usually smooth or slightly wrinkled, soft and movable. They grow very slowly and may become as large as a grape. Removing a skin tag will not result in another growing in its place.

Home Removal

Before removing the tag yourself, be certain that the growth is actually a skin tag rather than a more serious skin condition. The basic premise in removing a skin tag is to stop blood flow to the growth. A simple removal method is to tie thread or dental floss around the skin tag. After a few days of blood deprivation, the tag will fall off. Another relatively easy method is to tie thread or dental floss around the base of the tag, then cut off the skin tag with a pair of sterilized scissors or nail clippers. The skin tag is instantly removed, but there can be bleeding, especially with a large tag. Make sure that you keep the area clean with peroxide or antibacterial ointment until it is healed. Fingernail polish can be applied to the tag twice a day. As the polish starts to dry out, the skin tag will begin to shrink and disappear within two weeks. Similar results can be attained by making a thick paste of castor oil and baking soda. Apply this several times a day to the tag, and within two weeks the tag will dry up and disappear. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it directly to the skin tag. Repeat this process three times a day until the tag falls off in two to three weeks. Apply a piece of household duct tape to the skin tag. Keep it on all day. When it loosens up, check to see if the tag has fallen off. Repeat this process over the next few days, if needed.

Professional Removal

If you do not want to remove skin tags yourself, they can be removed by general medical practitioners and dermatologists. They can be cut off with a scalpel or medical shears, burned off with a cautery device or frozen with liquid nitrogen, causing the skin tag to fall off. Usually no anesthesia is required unless there is a large growth or multiple skin tags within a small area. Since removal of skin tags is considered a cosmetic procedure, many insurance companies will not cover the medical costs, leading many individuals to do it themselves.

Source:

Medicinenet.com

EasySkinTagRemoval.com

SkinTagHelp.com