Skin tags can look very unaesthetic to many people. Let us know how to use liquid bandages for skin tags briefly in this article.
What are skin tags?
Skin tags are soft growths of skin that hang on a stalk. They vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters and are benign tumors that are harmless but aesthetically unpleasing.
Most tags occur mostly during midlife and affect both genders equally. They are seen more often in obese people, in people with diabetes, and with a genetic predisposition to skin tags. Skin tags grow in areas of your body that are subject to friction, where either skin rubs against skin or skin rub against clothing. They occur commonly on the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, skin folds and creases, under the breasts, and on the face.
Skin tags often get irritated when they get caught on clothing or are subjected to repeated friction. Sometimes, when the tag’s stalk is long or thin, it can get twisted, cutting off the blood supply. In such a case, the tag becomes painful, gradually turns black, and eventually falls off.
Liquid bandage for skin tags
Liquid bandages have become, in recent years, a must-have in first aid kits. A liquid bandage is a colorless mix of chemicals that people can spray or apply directly to a wound. It sticks firmly to the skin as it dries and hardens, forming a protective barrier over the wound or cut, prevents dirt and bacteria from entering the broken skin. Tags lasts for a week and sloughs off as the skin heals. It has been found to be effective in causing skin tags to shrivel and fall off over a few weeks.
Benefits of Using Liquid Bandage
A liquid bandage sticks better than a band-aid and can even allow you to go swimming or do kitchen chores without falling off. It is waterproof and you may even use it on awkward and difficult areas; otherwise not easy to treat. It stays put even if you flex your arms or stretch the skin around more than usual, like knuckles and elbows. It prevents infections and allows the skin to heal faster without scarring.
Drawbacks
You cannot use it near the eyes. It might sting when you apply it near your eyes and may irritate sensitive skin. It can also cause an allergic reaction in some people. You can only remove it by softening it with mild oils.
Skin Tag Remedies
1. OTC tag removal creams
Several commercially available creams can cause the tag to fall off in 2 to 3 weeks when you apply them (as directed) on the tags. However, Some creams contain salicylic acid or tea tree oil which can cause contact dermatitis on sensitive skin.
2. Tag removal patches and bands
When you apply removal bands on the stalk of the skin tag, it cuts off the blood supply to the tag. Eventually, the cells in the tag die, and the tag shrivels and falls off. Removal patches are medicated patches which when left on the tag, causes the tag to fall off in a few weeks.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and place it on the skin tag and secure it with a bandage or tape. Leave it for 10 minutes and then remove it. Do it thrice a day till the tag falls off. The acidity of the vinegar helps remove the skin tag.
4. Garlic
Garlic has anti-bacterial properties that help fight infection. Crush a few cloves of garlic into a paste and apply on the skin tag. Leave it for an hour and then wash it off using soap and water. Do this every day till the tag falls off.
5. Baking soda and castor oil
Baking soda being alkaline helps inhibit the growth of bacteria that causes skin tags. Mix baking soda with a few drops of castor oil to form a paste. Apply this paste on the skin tag and wash it off after a few hours. Repeat it every day till the tag falls off.
6. Medical Treatments
Medical treatments for skin tags include cutting or clipping, electric cauterization (burning), and cryotherapy (freezing).
Now that you know how to use liquid bandage for skin tags along with other possible remedies, try out any of these remedies to get rid of the skin tags. However, it is advisable to let the tag fall off naturally so as to not affect the skin with any harshness.