by Mary Vance

Created on: September 24, 2008   Last Updated: September 23, 2009

Skin tags (Fibroepithelial polyps) are fleshy growths usually attached to to the skin by a small stalk called a peduncle. Skin tags are cosmetically unsightly, but are most often benign. They can become bothersome if they
catch on jewelry or clothing. They are normally skin colored or slightly
darker, most are very small but may reach 1/2 inch in length. They appear most often on the neck, armpits, torso, and body folds.

The skin tags usually begin to show up as we near middle age. They are found on people of every skin color. Obese people, and people suffering
from diabetes seem to be more prone to them. Reasearch is being done to understand this connection.

There are many home remedies for skin tag removal. Before trying any form of removal be sure that what you have is truly a skin tag. There are moles, keratoses, hemangiomas, and pyogenic granulomas that may resemble skin tags.

A dermatologist can remove skin tags by cryotherapy (freezing), cautery (electrical burning), or snipping off the skin tag. Some poeple believe that by removing a skin tag it will cause more to grow. This is not the
case. Some people are just more prone to skin tags than others. If you do happen to have a skin tag that is being irritated by your clothing or jewelry, do have it removed. See your dermatologist, or if you are brave enough, try one of these home remedies.

As home remedies go, skin tag removal has many you might try. Some hearty
souls use *cuticle scissors to cut away the skin tag. Should you decide to
snip the skin tag off, sterilize the area beforehand as well as the
equipment you are using. Use peroxide on the clipped area, and if there is any bleeding, apply pressure.

*Dental floss tied tightly around the peduncle to cut off the blood supply
to the skin tag, leave the floss in place for a few days until the skin
tag drops off.

*Compound W, wart remover can be used by following the wart removal directions on the bottle. Because the skin tag is softer it will not take
as long as the wart removal process. While using this process, watch for any
signs of infection. The newer *freezing wands made for wart removal are also good for removing skin tags. Use care not to damage surrounding
tissue.

*Fingernail polish applied two to three times daily for a week or two is another method some have tried with good results

An old fashioned method still commonly used today is *castor oil. Dab the
castor oil onto the skin tag several times daily until the skin tag drops
off. *Duct tape is another inventive means of skin tag removal. Apply a new piece daily until the skin tag falls off.

Skin tags are common little annoyances that have many means of removal.

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