An acrochord (skin tag) is a fleshy growth like a bulge on the neck or other parts of the body. Generally, skin tags are benign, so they don't have to be medically removed. But the skin tags on the neck are unsightly, they can get caught in clothes or jewelry and cause irritation, so removing them is normal. There are several ways to remove skin tags, either yourself at home or by a doctor. This article will discuss both.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using Medically Standardized Treatment
Step 1. Remove the skin tag surgically
The easiest way to get rid of a skin tag is to have it removed by a doctor. This method is fast and can be done directly at the doctor's office. First, the doctor will clean the area around the skin tag with alcohol, then the skin tag is cut with scissors or a sterilized scalpel.
- Small skin tags can be removed without anesthesia; just a little sore, like being bitten by a mosquito. If your skin tag is large or there are several in the adjacent area, your doctor may apply an anesthetic cream or local anesthetic before surgery.
- The skin may bleed a little at first, but will heal within 24 hours.
Step 2. Procedure for burning skin tags (cauterization)
An easy way to remove skin tags is to use a burning procedure using a cautery at a doctor's office. Burning will make the skin tag black and then immediately come off.
- Unfortunately, most insurance companies consider skin tag removal to be a cosmetic procedure, so you'll have to pay for it yourself.
- The exception is for lumps on the skin that look suspicious and are a symptom of other diseases that may be covered under your health insurance policy.
Step 3. Go through the skin tag freezing procedure
Similar to burning, skin tags can also be frozen with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy procedure). Cryotherapy procedures are also used to treat other unwanted skin conditions, such as warts and pimples.
- Cryotherapy is also considered a cosmetic procedure and will not be covered by most insurance policies.
- Cryotherapy will likely cause a slight discoloration of the skin after the skin tag is gone, but this will fade over time.
Step 4. Leave the skin tag
Remember that skin tags are benign and do not need to be removed for medical reasons. If the skin tag on your neck is small and doesn't bother you, you can leave it alone.
Method 2 of 4: Using Sterile Scissors
Step 1. Sterilize your scissors
You must first sterilize the scissors that will be used to cut the skin tag. Sterilization can be done in several ways. The most accurate way is to use an autoclave (sterilizer), but maybe you don't have one and the price is quite expensive.
- A less expensive option is to clean the scissors with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab, or to boil them in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Wash your hands with an antiseptic belt, then place the sterile scissors on a clean towel and allow them to dry. Try after this sterile scissors do not touch again.
Step 2. Pinch the skin tag with tweezers and pull it tight
That way the skin tag will stretch and there will be enough room for the scissors to get as close as possible to the base of the skin tag. Before doing this you can use ice to numb the area so it won't hurt too much later, but removing the skin tag is just like pinching, so this step is not mandatory.
Step 3. Use the sterile scissors and cut the skin tag
Position the scissors slowly and make sure you cut the skin tag as close to the base as possible, but without injuring the surrounding skin. After taking the position, cut quickly so it doesn't hurt too much. It just feels like being pinched for a moment.
- In addition to using sterile scissors, you can also use nail clippers to cut skin tags. Nail clippers may be easier to use if the skin tag is on the back of the neck, or in other hard-to-reach areas.
- Make sure nail clippers are sterilized in the above manner before use.
Step 4. Clean the wound and apply a plaster
The base of the skin tag will bleed after cutting, this is normal. Remember to clean the wound with disinfectant before plastering, lest the wound becomes infected. Use a small amount of rubbing alcohol or iodine on a cotton swab to do this.
- Apply a patch that matches your skin color to the area and then allow it to heal for 24 hours.
- If there are signs of infection, such as swelling, stinging, redness, or pus appears around the wound, see a doctor immediately.
Method 3 of 4: Using Ligation
Step 1. Purchase surgical or dental floss
The ligation method is to tie a thread at the base of the skin tag, so that the protrusion of the flesh does not get blood flow and then dies and falls off.
- Any thin thread can be used, but surgical or dental floss are common choices. Another alternative is fishing line, or even a thin type of rubber band.
- This option is good for people who are afraid of cutting their skin tags and also reluctant to go to the doctor for treatment. This method won't bleed and doesn't hurt at all.
Step 2. Tie the thread at the base of the skin tag
This part is a bit difficult, especially if the skin tag is on the neck. If you do it alone with the help of a mirror, then you can carefully "meloso" the skin tag with a live knot. Pull the string to tighten the knot, making sure it's tight enough so that the blood flow stops at that point.
This may take practice and persistence as the threads easily slip off the skin tag when you tighten the knot. It's a good idea to ask a friend for help for this
Step 3. Leave the thread tied there for a few days
Leave the thread tied to the skin tag, even if necessary tighten the knot. By turning off the blood flow to it, the skin tag will dry up and eventually come off.
- How big the skin tag is and how tight you tie it can have an effect on how long it takes to get rid of the skin tag.
- When it comes off, the skin underneath should be covered, so no need for disinfection or bandaging.
Step 4. Avoid irritation
If the tied skin tag is easily visible or rubs against clothing, it's best to wrap a small bandage while you wait for it to come off. Friction can cause skin irritation, redness, or swelling in the area around the skin tag.
By stopping friction and irritation, the redness and swelling will subside quickly
Method 4 of 4: Using Home Remedies (Not Medically Tested)
Step 1. Use clear nail polish
A home remedy method that is often used to remove skin tags is to apply a clear nail polish, as it is believed that this will dry out the bumps and cause them to fall off.
- Apply clear nail polish all over the skin tag and let it dry. Repeat 2-3 times a day until the bumps shrink and then come off.
- You can speed up this process by shaking the skin tag a little every day.
Step 2. Use apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is believed to be an effective skin tag remedy. Dip a cotton ball or cotton swab in apple cider vinegar and apply it on the skin tag. Maybe it will be a little sore.
- Repeat this process 1-2 times every day until the skin tag turns black and then comes off. This process may take 2-4 weeks.
- Be careful not to get the apple cider vinegar on the surrounding skin, as it will sting like a burn.
Step 3. Use tea tree/Melaleuca alternifolia oil
Tea tree oil has been used to treat various types of skin disorders, one of which is skin tags. How: Dip a cotton ball in water, then add a few drops of therapeutic grade tea tree essential oil.
- Rub the skin tag with the cotton ball that has been given tea tree oil.
- Repeat 1-2 times daily until the skin tag dries and then peel off.
Step 4. Use a medicated cream that can be purchased
There are several types of creams on the market that claim to remove skin tags. For some people they are effective, but for others they are not. Follow the directions on the medication label for use.
Examples of known brands are Tag Away, Skinhale and Dermatend, but if you can't find them in Indonesia then maybe you need to buy them online
Step 5. Use lemon juice
The citric acid in lemon juice can shrink and dry out the skin, and is said to get rid of skin tags. Squeeze a little lemon juice in a container, dip a cotton swab in that juice, then apply it on the skin tag.
- You can also directly rub a slice of lemon on the skin tag.
- Continue to apply lemon juice every day until the skin tag dries and comes off, but be careful not to touch the surrounding skin.
Step 6. Use vitamin E oil
Using vitamin E oil on the plaster is also said to help in removing skin tags. The plaster will restrict blood flow to the skin tag while the vitamin E oil speeds up recovery.
- The trick: open a vitamin E capsule and rub the contents on the skin tag. Put the tape on tight.
- Leave it for a day or two, then remove the tape, clean the area and repeat the process. Repeat until the skin tag comes off.
Step 7. Cover the skin tag with duct tape
Duct tape is often used to get rid of blemishes, and the same method can also be used on skin tags. Place a piece of duct tape on the skin tag and allow it to begin to peel off on its own.
- Pull the duct tape off and see if the skin tag has come off.
- If not, repeat this method until the skin tag comes off.
Tips
- Sometimes skin tags are accidentally cut when you shave. Don't worry if this happens, it might bleed a little but it's not dangerous.
- Consult a doctor for information and methods that are safer and more medically appropriate.
