Acrochordons, commonly known as skin tags, are small, benign growths of skin. They are extremely common, affecting nearly half the population, and are typically harmless unless irritated by friction. While professional medical removal is straightforward, many individuals seek natural, at-home methods driven by the desire for non-invasive, cost-effective alternatives.
Identifying Skin Tags
A true skin tag is a small, soft, often flesh-colored or slightly hyperpigmented growth that projects from the surrounding skin. Its defining characteristic is the peduncle, a thin, fleshy stalk that connects the growth to the skin’s surface, allowing it to hang freely. These growths are typically quite small, often measuring only one to five millimeters, though larger ones can occur.
Skin tags are most often found in intertriginous areas, which are regions where the skin folds and rubs against itself. Common locations include the neck, armpits, groin, under the breasts, and sometimes the eyelids. They are generally painless and pliable, but constant rubbing from clothing, jewelry, or shaving can cause irritation, inflammation, and discomfort. It is important to confirm the growth is a skin tag and not another type of lesion, such as a mole, wart, or seborrheic keratosis, before attempting any removal.
Common Natural Removal Methods
Natural methods aim to cause the skin tag to dry out or break down the tissue connecting it to the skin, leading to its eventual detachment.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
One popular approach involves the application of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), which proponents believe works due to its high acidity. To use this method, soak a cotton swab in ACV, apply it directly to the skin tag, and secure it with a bandage for 15 to 30 minutes. This process is repeated daily for a few weeks, allowing the acid to break down the tissue until the tag falls off.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is another widely discussed natural remedy, valued for its purported antiviral and antifungal properties. This oil must be diluted with a carrier oil before use to prevent skin irritation. Gently massage a small amount of the diluted oil onto the skin tag using a cotton swab, and cover the area with a bandage, often left on overnight. Consistent, nightly application over several weeks is suggested until the tag dries up and naturally separates.
Ligation
Ligation is a mechanical method involving tying off the skin tag at its base with a fine thread, such as dental floss or surgical thread. The purpose is to cut off the blood supply to the tag’s fibrovascular core. By constricting the blood flow, the tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, causing it to die (necrose) and eventually fall off. This method requires careful execution to ensure the thread is sterile and secured tightly around the narrow peduncle.
Safety Concerns and When to See a Doctor
Self-removal of skin tags carries several risks that should be carefully weighed. The most common complications include excessive bleeding, which can be difficult to manage since skin tags contain tiny blood vessels, and the risk of infection from non-sterile tools or an open wound. Improper removal techniques can also result in scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, leaving a noticeable mark.
Self-treatment should be avoided entirely for any growth that is large, appears near the eye, or is causing pain. Consult a medical professional immediately if a growth changes color, grows rapidly, becomes painful, or bleeds without trauma. These changes can indicate that the growth is not a benign skin tag but a more serious condition requiring proper diagnosis and specialized care.
If signs of infection develop following an at-home removal attempt—such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or the presence of pus—medical intervention is necessary. A healthcare provider can safely confirm the diagnosis and remove the lesion using sterile techniques like excision, cryotherapy, or cauterization, minimizing the risk of complications and ensuring a better cosmetic outcome.