What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are just little flaps of skin which can develop anyplace on the body. Skin tags are non-cancerous, in other words, benign tumors. Many health insurance companies will not cover skin tag removal because they consider it to be a cosmetic procedure. Though they are not considered serious they can be unsightly and can get irritated and sore at times.
If you have large sized skin tags you may want to have a doctor remove them. Most small skin tags are easy to remove at home by using thread. When the procedure is done correctly, the skin tag will be completely removed. But if not, part of the skin tag may remain and will probably grow back.
Instructions for Removing Skin Tags With Thread
1. You will need about 8 inches of clean thread. Always use clean thread to reduce the risk of infection.
2. Tie the thread around the skin tag. Make sure it is tight and then tie 2 knots to keep the thread secure. Make sure the thread is tied right where the skin tag is attached the normal skin area. Cut off any extra thread. If you tie the thread too high, you won’t eliminate all of the skin tag and it might grow back. Have someone help you when the skin tag happens to be in an area you can’t see.
3. The tightened thread will block the supply of blood to the affected skin tag. After a couple of days, the tied-off skin tag will die because of not having any blood supply and it will fall off.
4. If the skin tag doesn’t fall off, try using some clean nail clippers to cut if off. To clean the nail clippers, boil them in water for about 15 minutes.
Instructions for Removing Skin Tags With Duct Tape
Skin tags are really a very common problem for many individuals. They frequently form in locations where skin wrinkles or creases, like close to the eyes or the underarm. Skin tags are typically harmless benign tumors that get irritated by jewelry and clothing rubbing against them. By having some patience, you are able to get rid of skin tags simply by covering them up with duct tape. In a short time, you will be able to have the problem skin area free of skin tags.
1. For each skin tag you want to remove, cut a small square of duct tape, allowing for an extra 1/4 inch all around to make sure the piece covers the skin tag area. The precise size of the squares may vary because of the size of the skin tags, however, you need to completely cover up the skin tag.
2. When the tape becomes loose, (probably in a couple of days), remove the duct tape very slowly. Don’t rip the duct tape off really fast because that might cause some bleeding.
3. Look at the sticky side of the duct tape to see if the skin tag is on it. If it isn’t attached to the duct tape, put on a brand new piece of tape over the skin tag. In a couple of days, repeat the process of removing the tape carefully.
4. Once the skin tag is successfully removed, put a bandage on the treated area in order to keep the area clean and protected. The treated area could be a little sore for a couple of days, yet it shouldn’t bleed.
A Word of Caution:
Contact your doctor if any skin tags don’t come off or if they get swollen or bleed a lot.