How to Get Rid of Skin Tags

Skin tags are small, benign tumors that are relatively harmless, but for vanity’s sake, many people want to get rid of them. Because they are benign, there are a number of methods, either at home or in your doctor’s office, which can be used to diminish skin tags. If you’re interested in learning how to get rid of skin tags, please read on for some helpful tips.

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here. Skin tags are small, benign tumors that are relatively harmless, but for vanity’s sake, many people want to get rid of them. Because they are benign, there are a number of methods, either at home or in your doctor’s office, which can be used to diminish skin tags. If you’re interested in learning how to get rid of skin tags, please read on for some helpful tips.

Introduction

While skin tags are generally harmless, they can be painful if continually rubbed the wrong way. They are also unsightly, and depending on where they appear on the body, they may be embarrassing.

Step 1: Cutting

• You may need to see a specialist to have those skin tags removed(Creative Commons photo by mynameisharsha)
• Skin tags can be physically removed with the use of a sharp tool such as scissors, nail clippers or a razor. You will need to sterilize the cutting implement before use, and numb the area with ice to avoid pain. Be prepared to staunch the bleeding with a gauze pad, and after the bleeding has slowed down, apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent unnecessary scarring.
• Note: You will need to make sure you cut at the root of the skin tag, otherwise it will leave a scar that may reform over time.

Step 2: Cryogenic Freezing

Liquid nitrogen is a solution that can be used to deep freeze things like warts and skin tags. It kills the cell tissue, destroying the skin tag. Over time, the skin tag will eventually deteriorate and fall off.

Step 3: Cutting Off Blood Supply

Like cryogenic freezing, cutting off the blood supply will kill the skin cells and in a few days the skin tag will fall off. This method may be difficult to perform on your own, depending on where the skin tag is located. You may need to find someone who can help you wrap a thin piece of thread around the root of the skin tag.

Step 4: Electrosurgery

Electrolysis is an effective and permanent method of getting rid of skin tags. This method is usually performed in a doctor’s office with an electric needle and can be fairly expensive. The permanence of this surgery is one of the things that makes it appealing.

Conclusion

One important thing to take into consideration with skin tag removal is that often it can cause scarring. Methods that require you to cut and freeze may leave scars, which can in turn become skin tags again. You have a number of options, from do-it-yourself methods, to electrosurgery, which is probably the most expensive method.