According to MayoClinic.com, skin tags are small, non-cancerous growths on the skin that usually appear as flesh-colored connected to the skin. While all skin tags should be checked by a doctor, there are numerous natural home remedies that can help to get rid of skin tags once they have been diagnosed as such. These remedies have not been approved or tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, however, so discuss these treatments with your doctor before starting one.
Lemon Essential Oil, Lime Essential oil and Avocado Oil
According to Jennie Harding, author of "The Essential Oils Handbook: All the Oils You Will Ever Need for Health, Vitality and Well-Being,” a mixture of lemon essential oil, lime essential oil and avocado oil can be used to help get rid of skin tags on the body and eyelids. To make and use this mixture, combine ½ tsp. lemon essential oil, ½ tsp. lime essential oil and 6 tsp. avocado oil in a small bottle and shake to combine. With a clean cotton swab, gently apply a very small amount of the mixture to the skin tag. Leave the mixture on for 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. This treatment can be used three times per day as long as it doesn’t cause any irritation or redness. Unused portions of the mixture can be kept in a cool, dark place for up to one month.
Baking Soda, Rosemary Essential Oil, Castor Oil and Olive Oil
According to Ann Worwood, author of "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy,” a mixture of baking soda, rosemary essential oil, castor oil and olive oil can be used to help get rid of skin tags. To make this mixture, combine ½ tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. rosemary essential oil, 2 tbsp. castor oil and 2 tbsp. olive oil in a small bowl or container with a tight-fitting lid and stir vigorously to combine. Massage a small amount of the mixture onto the skin tag and leave it on for 30 minutes, making sure to avoid getting the mixture in your eyes. Rinse the mixture off and wash with a gentle cleanser before applying a moisturizer. This treatment can be used daily as long as it doesn’t bother your skin, and unused portions will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days if necessary.
Oregano Essential Oil, Basil Essential Oil and Sesame Oil
According to Colleen Kaye Dodt, author of "The Essential Oils Book: Creating Personal Blends for Mind & Body,” a mixture of oregano essential oil, basil essential oil and sesame oil can be used to help get rid of skin tags on the eyelids and facial area. To make this mixture, combine 1 tsp. oregano essential oil, ½ tsp. essential oil and 8 tsp. sesame oil in a small container and shake or stir to combine. With a clean cotton ball or pad, gently dab a small amount of the liquid onto the skin. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with clean water and patting the skin dry before applying your regular moisturizer. This treatment can be used once per day as long as it doesn’t irritate your skin. Unused portions can be kept in a cool, dark and dry place for one month.
References
- "The Essential Oils Handbook: All the Oils You Will Ever Need for Health, Vitality and Well-Being"; Jennie Harding; 2008
- "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy"; Ann Worwood; 1991
- "The Essential Oils Book: Creating Personal Blends for Mind & Body"; Colleen Kaye Dodt; 2006
Writer Bio
Christopher Godwin is a freelance writer from Los Angeles. He spent his formative years as a chef and bartender crafting signature dishes and cocktails as the head of an upscale catering firm. He has since ventured into sharing original creations and expertise with the public. Godwin has published poetry, fiction and nonfiction in publications like "Spork Magazine," "Cold Mountain Review" and "From Abalone To Zest."