Skin tags—those small, soft, and harmless growths that often appear on the neck, underarms, eyelids, or other body folds—can be annoying or cosmetically undesirable. While not dangerous, many people look for safe and permanent ways to get rid of them.
Whether you prefer natural home remedies or professional treatments, this guide explores all the most effective solutions to help you say goodbye to skin tags for good.
🌿 Natural Home Remedies for Skin Tag Removal
If you’re leaning towards DIY methods, these non-invasive and natural remedies are gentle and easy to try at home:
1. Lemon Juice
Rich in citric acid, lemon juice helps dry out and break down skin tags over time.
How to use: Dab fresh lemon juice on the tag 2–3 times a week and rinse after 15 minutes. Results may appear in 2–3 weeks.
2. Castor Oil + Baking Soda
Mix castor oil with baking soda into a thick paste and apply to the tag.
How it works: The mixture may dry out the tag over 2–4 weeks.
3. Dental Floss
Tie dental floss around the base of the tag to cut off blood supply.
Effect: The tag typically falls off within 1–2 weeks.
4. Garlic
Crushed garlic is known for its antibacterial properties.
Use: Apply to the tag for 20–30 minutes daily. It may shrink within days.
5. Banana Peel
Place the inside of a banana peel over the tag and secure it overnight.
Result: Enzymes may help the tag fall off after a few applications.
6. Aspirin Paste
Crushed aspirin mixed with water can dry out skin tags thanks to its salicylic acid content.
Tip: Use it daily for best results.
7. Mixed Vegetable Juices
A natural blend of potato, garlic, and cauliflower juice applied regularly may help dissolve tags over time.
8. Clear Nail Polish
Apply 2–3 times daily to “suffocate” the tag.
Outcome: Tag falls off after several days.
9. Pineapple Juice
The bromelain in pineapple juice helps break down dead skin.
How to use: Apply fresh juice daily until the tag is gone.
10. Onion Juice
Soak onion slices in salt overnight and apply the resulting juice to the tag.
Expected result: Noticeable reduction within a week.
🩺 Medical Treatments for Faster Results
For those seeking quicker and more reliable results, medical procedures offer more immediate skin tag removal:
1. Surgical Snipping
A dermatologist can safely cut off the tag with sterilized scissors.
Note: May cause minimal bleeding; best done by a professional.
2. Electro-Cautery
Uses electric current to burn off the tag.
Pros: Precise and effective; minimal risk of regrowth.
3. Cryotherapy (Freezing)
Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the tag until it falls off.
Caution: May cause temporary skin discoloration.
4. Ophthalmologist Assistance
For tags near the eye area, consult a specialist to avoid damaging sensitive tissues.
5. Duct Tape Method
Cover the tag with duct tape for several days.
How it helps: May loosen and remove the tag gradually.
6. Compound W
An over-the-counter treatment that contains salicylic acid.
How to apply: Use daily and cover with a bandage until the tag disappears.
7. Healing Mixture
Combine apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and lemon juice for a natural solution.
Application: Twice daily for 7–10 days.
🤔 Will Skin Tags Come Back After Removal?
Removing a skin tag doesn’t guarantee it won’t come back—but that specific tag is unlikely to return. However, if you’re prone to developing skin tags, others may appear in the future due to genetics, friction, or hormonal changes.
✅ Final Thoughts
Skin tags are harmless, but if they affect your comfort or confidence, you don’t have to live with them. From natural home remedies to professional treatments, there are safe and effective options for removing them permanently.
