How to Get Rid of Skin Tags?

Many people don’t know what a skin tag is, even though they probably have one or two somewhere on their bodies. After all, this term isn’t as widely used as some other skin-condition words. But skin tags do exist and if you have them you may be able to get rid of them with a relatively simple process.

Skin tags are often described as benign tumors because they are growths that don’t necessarily present a health problem. Information on skin tags shows that they are found on the eyelids, in the armpits, on the neck and in a few other locations on the body. These small growths may show up later in life, with age and added weight. Since this type of growth can be irritating (not life-threatening) a few companies have come up with removal methods. But you may want to try removing them without retail products or chemicals.

Cut it Out
Some skin-tag removal advice suggests cutting them off with a sharp blade or even a good pair of scissors. The blade should be very sharp and very clean. In fact, it’s best to sterilize the blade over a flame or with rubbing alcohol. Get as close to the skin as possible without causing yourself to bleed. If some blood does appear, put slight pressure on it until it stops. Skin tags are part of your body so there may be some mild pain. Numbing this area with ice or alcohol might help reduce the sensation.

Since skin tags are living tissue, it may be possible to cut off the supply of blood by tying a thread or small string at the base of the tag. This should kill the tissue and it should eventually fall off.

Of course, you can go to the store and get a commercial product that will “freeze” the skin tag. Some of these use liquid nitrogen and other chemical processes to kill the skin cells. This may also be slightly painful but people have used these products with success and no serious after-effects. Follow the directions carefully and don’t apply these freezing substances to the area more than is recommended.

See the Doctor
Skin tags can also be removed by a doctor who uses electrolysis or some other electrical “knife” procedure. Doctors sometimes use a needle and electrical current to destroy the skin-tag tissue. People who choose this method state that there is not much scarring, if any, even when the removal process gets beneath the skin. Surgery of the more traditional type may be necessary for larger skin tags and other types of skin growths.

Remember that you are dealing with living skin tissue so any procedure should be undertaken with full knowledge of the consequences. It’s important to protect the area after removal of a skin tag. Cover the area with a bandage. If the removal procedure is completed by a doctor, he or she will cover it and make suggestions on how to keep the area safe from further damage.

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