Naturopathic Treatments for Skin Tags

Skin tags, also known as fibroepithelial polyps or acrochordons, are harmless benign tumors found mostly on the neck, armpit, elbow and eyelids. They are quite common, with more than 50 percent of the population developing them at some point. Unlike warts, skin tags are not contagious. They are found more frequently among people who are overweight, pregnant or over 40. The color and size of skin tags varies widely. Although they can be surgically removed with a scalpel or laser, or cryogenically destroyed like a wart, many people opt to remove them using natural remedies.

Tea Tree Oil

• Tea tree oil, or melaleuca essential oil, is a widely-used remedy for skin tags. Using tea tree oil is relatively simple and inexpensive. Unfortunately, the oil has a very intense odor, which some people find unpleasant. Treating skin tags with tea tree oil requires only that the skin tag be washed with soap and water, then air dried. Once dry, apply two drops of tea tree oil onto the skin tag using a cotton ball. Repeat this three times a day for at least three to four weeks to cause the skin tag to fall off. The same procedure can be used with the essential oil of oregano, as well.

Baking Soda and Castor Oil

• The use of baking soda and castor oil to remove skin tags is a tried and true approach. The ingredients are cheap and widely available. A moist paste is made with castor oil and baking soda, which is then applied to the cleaned skin tag three times a day, then covered with an adhesive bandage. As with the tea tree oil treatment, it takes several weeks to be effective.

Apple Cider Vinegar

• Apple cider vinegar is also used occasionally as a means of removing skin tags. The approach is similar to that of tea tree oil, soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply to the affected area three times a day for several weeks. Some people choose to leave the cotton ball on the skin, covering it with an adhesive bandage to increase its efficacy. Apple cider vinegar should not be used to treat skin tags on or near the eyelids, as it may cause ocular irritation.

Wart Mole Vanish

• Wart Mole Vanish is an expensive herbal extract that works as an escharotic salve. Although wart mole extract does not contain the most commonly used escharotics zinc chloride or bloodroot, it does contain celandine. Celandine contains powerful proteolytic enzymes, which make it possible to remove a skin tag with as few as one application. It also contains an acidic extract of lemon to enhance the caustic, penetrative properties of the celandine.