How To Remove Skin Tags With Tea Tree Oil
Skin tags are small, usually benign skin growths that can appear anywhere on the body but are especially common in areas where skin rubs together such as the neck, armpits, and groin. While harmless, skin tags can become irritated or inflamed when clothing, jewelry, or razors rub against them. Their appearance may also be unsightly to some people. Luckily, skin tags can often be easily removed at home using natural remedies like tea tree oil.
What Exactly Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are soft, noncancerous skin growths that hang off the surface of the skin on a stalk or peduncle. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from tiny, narrow tags to larger, rounder bumps. Skin tags are extremely common, occurring in up to half of all adults but are rare in children and infants.
People with diabetes and obese individuals are at a higher risk for developing skin tags. Though mostly an aesthetic concern, they can become irritated when rubbed by clothing and jewelry. The surface may bleed or become inflamed if they are scratched or picked at. Skin tags have a prevalence of 46-74% in normal weight adults.
What Causes Skin Tags to Form?
While the exact cause is unknown, skin tags are thought to primarily occur due to skin rubbing together, allowing skin cells to grow in the area. This includes locations like the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin, and under breasts.
Obesity and insulin resistance may increase risk, as skin tags are more common in overweight people with diabetes. Hormones likely play a role as well, as skin tags tend to develop during pregnancy. Genetics can also increase susceptibility.
Ultimately skin tags are benign and do not increase risk for any serious medical conditions. They are mainly an aesthetic concern, though they can snag on clothing or become painfully irritated. Luckily there are many easy, affordable at-home removal options.
Benefits of Using Tea Tree Oil on Skin Tags
Tea tree oil is an increasingly popular method for removing skin tags. Derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant native to Australia, this essential oil has many beneficial properties when applied topically:
- Antimicrobial effects – Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol that gives it antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. This can help kill any bacteria or fungus on the skin tag.
- Drying action – The antiseptic effects of tea tree oil help dry out the skin tag, cutting off its blood supply. This causes the tag to turn black and shrivel up.
- Easy to obtain – Tea tree oil is inexpensive and easy to find in most grocery stores and pharmacies, especially compared to other skin tag removal options that require medical procedures.
- Natural oil – As a natural plant-based oil, some people prefer to try this home remedy rather than undergo medical treatment for skin tag removal.
How Does Tea Tree Oil Work on Skin Tags?
When applied directly to the skin tag, the terpinen-4-ol and penetrating properties of tea tree oil work together to remove the skin growth.
The oil is able to rapidly penetrate the outer layers of the epidermis on the tag. The antiseptic effects then work to dry out and damage the skin cells.
By cutting off blood circulation to the area, the skin tag eventually turns black and shrivels up. The dried up tag will eventually fall off, typically within 1-2 weeks of consistent oil application.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil on Skin Tags
Follow these steps for safe and effective use of tea tree oil for skin tag removal:
- Clean the skin tag and surrounding area with mild soap and water. Thoroughly dry with a clean towel.
- Dip a cotton swab or cotton ball into undiluted, 100% pure tea tree essential oil.
- Apply the oil directly onto the skin tag, ensuring the entire surface is saturated.
- Cover the treated area with a bandage or dressing to prevent the oil from rubbing off.
- Repeat the process 2-3 times per day, such as morning, afternoon, and evening.
Be diligent and consistent with applications. It can take up to 2 weeks before the skin tag falls off.
Tips for Safe and Effective Application
- Test tea tree oil on a small patch of skin first to check for any allergic reactions before wider use.
- Only use 100% pure, undiluted tea tree oil. Diluting it reduces effectiveness.
- Avoid contact with eyes, nostrils, or other sensitive mucus membranes. Rinse immediately if contact occurs.
- Gently filing a calloused surface on the skin tag before applying oil allows better penetration.
- Continue use until the skin tag dries up and falls off naturally, typically within 1-2 weeks with consistent application.
The Risks and Limitations of Tea Tree Oil
While an effective natural remedy for many, tea tree oil does come with some risks and limitations:
- Can cause redness, stinging, irritation, rashes, or allergic reactions in some people. Discontinue use if this occurs.
- Not as effective on larger skin tags or those with a stalk, as tea tree oil works best on smaller, flatter tags.
- Avoid using on moles or any growths that could potentially be cancerous. Seek medical advice instead.
- See a doctor if the skin tag doesn’t begin to shrivel and fall off after using tea tree oil consistently for 3 weeks.
- Not recommended for use on genital or anal region skin tags, as the sensitive skin may react poorly. Seek medical treatment instead.
When to See a Doctor About Skin Tags
While small skin tags can be removed safely at home, it’s important to seek medical advice regarding:
- Skin tags that bleed, itch, or become inflamed or irritated.
- Large skin tags or tags in highly visible or uncomfortable locations.
- Moles or growths on the skin that change shape, size, or color. These may indicate a serious underlying condition.
- Skin tags located near the eyes, genitals, or other delicate areas.
- Skin tags that don’t respond to natural home treatment like tea tree oil after 3 weeks. These may require other medical procedures for removal.
Always consult a physician regarding any unusual moles or skin growths that exhibit signs of possible malignancy, such as irregular borders, asymmetry, rapid growth, or variations in color. Biopsies may be required in such cases.
The Bottom Line
Tea tree oil is an inexpensive, readily available, and natural method to try removing small skin tags at home. The oil’s disinfecting and drying effects work to shrivel up skin tags until they fall off when applied consistently 1-2 times daily. Allow up to 2 weeks to see results.
Exercise caution with use, monitor for any irritation, and avoid contact with eyes or sensitive skin. See a doctor if the skin tag remains after 3 weeks of diligent oil use, or if it bleeds, itches, or becomes inflamed.
Always have any moles or unusual growths examined by a medical professional, even if planning to use natural methods like tea tree oil first. Home treatment is not advised for larger or suspicious skin tags, or those in delicate areas. Consult a dermatologist in such cases.
Other Home Remedies for Skin Tag Removal
While tea tree oil is a popular natural option, there are a few other home remedies that may also be effective for removing skin tags:
Apple Cider Vinegar – The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can help dry out and shrivel up skin tags after several applications daily. It often takes 2-3 weeks to fully remove tags.
Banana Peel – Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the skin tag may help remove it after several weeks due to enzymes that eat away at the tissue.
Garlic – Garlic contains sulfur compounds with antimicrobial effects that may cause skin tags to die and fall off after 1-2 weeks if applied twice daily.
Potato Slice – Placing a sliced piece of raw potato over the skin tag and securing with a bandage can dry out and remove the tag after 5-7 days of repeated use.
Dental Floss or Thread – Tightly tying off the stalk of a skin tag with sterilized floss or thread restricts blood flow causing the tag to fall off within several days.
Over-the-Counter Products – Medicated pads, skin tag removal kits, freezing sprays, and topical creams are also options for removing skin tags at home.
When Are Medical Procedures for Skin Tag Removal Necessary?
For the most part, small skin tags located in low friction areas of the body can be removed safely and effectively at home using natural remedies like tea tree oil. However, there are some instances when it is advisable to have skin tags removed by a medical professional:
- Very large or raised skin tags with thick stalks. These may be too difficult to remove at home.
- Skin tags located near the eyes, groin, or other delicate areas. Doctor removal reduces risk of infection or scarring.
- Tags that persist after home treatment. Stubborn skin tags may need other medical procedures for removal.
- Suspicious moles or growths that could potentially be cancerous require medical evaluation. Biopsy or excision may be necessary.
- Multiple skin tags clustered together. This makes home removal challenging and increases risk of infection.
- Genital skin tags or tags causing recurrent irritation or infections. Cauterization and other medical treatments can prevent recurrence.
- Skin tags that bleed or won’t heal. These may require surgical excision rather than home methods.
Professional Skin Tag Removal Procedures
If home removal methods like tea tree oil are ineffective or inadvisable for a particular skin tag, there are several medical procedures that dermatologists can perform:
- Cryotherapy – Freezing a skin tag with liquid nitrogen causes it to die and slough off after 1-2 weeks.
- Cauterization – Burning off skin tags with an electric current or caustic solution like acid.
- Excision – Surgically cutting off the skin tag with a scalpel or scissors.
- Ligation – Tying off the stalk of the tag tightly with surgical thread to cut off blood flow until it falls off.
- Laser Removal – Using a focused laser to vaporize and destroy the skin tag without chemicals or burning.
- Radiofrequency Ablation – Heating the skin tag via electromagnetic energy to painlessly destroy the tissue so it falls away.
- Electrosurgery – Destroying the skin tag via a high frequency, alternating electric current applied via a fine wire loop.
The method chosen depends on the size and location of the tag, number of tags, and patient preference. Local anesthesia is often used for comfort.
Conclusion
For small, benign skin tags located in low-friction areas, properly diluted tea tree oil may be an effective natural removal option when applied consistently for 2-3 weeks. However, medical advice is still recommended for large or abnormal growths, or those unresponsive to natural methods. Proper diagnosis is key prior to attempting any form of skin tag removal.
Used responsibly, high-quality tea tree oil can be a cheaper, gentler alternative to other skin tag treatments. But irritation, allergic reactions, or lack of effectiveness are possible, so consult a doctor if you have any concerns when using this natural oil. With the right precautions, tea tree oil can be an easy at-home remedy for annoying yet harmless skin tags.