Aloe Vera: A Natural Skin Tag Remover

Understanding Skin Tags and Aloe Vera

Skin tags are small, usually benign skin growths that can appear anywhere on the body. They happen when skin cells multiply faster than normal. While harmless, skin tags can get irritated or snag on things, prompting removal.

Aloe vera is renowned for its healing and soothing properties. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects may also help get rid of skin tags naturally. Heres why aloe vera is an affordable, low-risk option worth trying.

What Causes Skin Tags?

Doctors arent totally sure why skin tags occur, but contributing factors seem to include:

• Genetics and family history of skin tags
• Friction and skin rubbing in areas like the neck, breasts, or groin
• Obesity and diabetes leading to skin folds where tags can grow
• Pregnancy causing hormone shifts that accelerate skin cell changes

Skin tags themselves dont pose risks beyond minor irritation. But they could indicate potential health issues like diabetes or obesity in some cases.

Different Skin Tag Removal Methods

If a bothersome or unsightly skin tag doesnt resolve itself, removal options include:

• Freezing with liquid nitrogen to kill the tag
• Burning using an electric current or cauterizing agent
• Cutting the tag off via small excision
• Strangling the base so blood flow is restricted until it dies

These clinical procedures require seeing a doctor and often leave minor scarring. Over-the-counter products offer gentler DIY methods using ingredients like tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar.

Why Use Aloe Vera for Skin Tags?

Pure aloe vera gel contains active compounds that provide antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits:

• Salicylic acid clears dead skin cells
• Vitamin E and C enhance skin healing
• Enzymes reduce inflammation
• Polysaccharides fight bacteria and irritation

Research also shows topical aloe vera improving skin elasticity and hydration. Applying it may loosen up the thickened tissue binding a skin tag to promote safe shedding.

Using Aloe Vera for Skin Tag Removal

Harnessing aloes therapeutic mechanisms could offer a simpler approach to remove skin tags or speed up recovery after clinical procedures.

Pure Gel Applications

The most straight-forward method is:

1. Break open a fresh aloe leaf to collect the clear gel inside
2. Apply directly on clean skin over the tag 2-3 times a day
3. Massage gently to increase absorption into the lower skin layers

Apply a bandage if desired to protect clothing from drips. Rinse remnants once dried.

Aloe Vera Juice Spritz

For hard to reach spots, try making a spray solution. Blend aloe gel with a few tablespoons of purified water and transfer to a spritz bottle. Mist over tags and let dry without need to rub in manually.

Soothing Aloe Bath Soaks

Add skin-nourishing power by integrating aloe into therapeutic bath sessions. Stir a cup of gel into warm bathwater and relax for 15-20 minutes at a time until the tag detaches.

Boosting with Essential Oils

Certain oils offer antiseptic and skin restoring benefits that pair well with aloe. Helpful types include:

• Tea tree oil
• Oregano oil
• Frankincense oil
• Myrrh oil

Add 2-3 drops of your chosen oil into aloe gel. The combo encourages tissue renewal so skin tags naturally slough off.

Potent Apple Cider Vinegar Blend

Round out aloes enzymatic power by mixing with apple cider vinegar. Its acetic and malic acid gently exfoliate while delivering antioxidants to fade tags.

Stir together equal parts aloe gel and apple cider vinegar. Use a cotton pad to apply solution on clean skin around the tag up to 3 times daily.

Monitoring Progress Removing Skin Tags

Be consistent using aloe vera remedies for best results. But avoid harsh scrubbing or picking at tags as this could worsen irritation.

Realistic Timelines

Every skin tag's response time differs based on:

• Location on the body
• If the stalk attachment is narrow or wide
• How long its been there
• The products used

Small, new tags may take 1-2 weeks to fall off while larger or older ones could take 4-6 weeks of aloe vera applications.

Signs of Progress

Look for changes like:

• Scab formation
• Color darkening
• Tag shrinking
• Stalk narrowing or drying out
• Eventual shedding of dead tissue

A white ring around the base indicates cutting off circulation so detachment should happen soon.

Red Flags to Watch For

Discontinue use if you have reactions like:

• Increased pain
• Burning
• Pus
• Bleeding
• Infection risks

See your doctor if skin tags transform shape, texture or color in unusual ways during treatment. This may indicate something more serious.

Preventing Skin Tags in the Future

While aloe vera removes current skin tags, youll need to address whats causing them to reduce recurrence.

Supporting Overall Skin Health

Good skincare habits help prevent excess cell growth like:

• Daily SPF protection
• Gentle cleansers to avoid drying
• Moisturizers with antioxidants
• Exfoliating occasionally to renew skin

Controlling Weight and Blood Sugar

Getting diabetes or obesity under control limits compounding effects provoking skin changes:

• Follow your doctors diet and exercise guidance
• Take medications as prescribed
• Check blood work routinely

Adjusting Clothing and Habits

Reduce friction irritation by:

• Wearing smooth fabrics instead of rough textures next to skin
• Avoiding restrictive clothing pressing on vulnerable areas
• Stopping repetitive picking or rubbing of existing tags

With aloe vera treatment and some preventive care, most people find skin tags dont have to be an ongoing nuisance.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.