Skin tags can appear on any part of the body and may look unattractive if they appear in prominent places such as the face. Are you seeking natural remedies to get rid of them? Tea tree oil for skin tags removal is the answer.
In This Article
What Are Skin Tags?
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Skin tags are small, flesh-colored growths that protrude from the skin, giving them a wart-like appearance. They are caused by low-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and are not dangerous. but should always be checked by a medical professional prior to treatment or removal ( 1 ).
Key Takeaways
- People who are overweight/obese or have type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance are more prone to developing skin tags.
- Studies suggest that tea tree oil neutralizes human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes these wart-like extensions.
- Before applying this oil (diluted), do a patch test to see if it irritates your skin.
Does Tea Tree Oil Work For Removing Skin Tags?
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Yes, it may have beneficial effects on skin tags and skin health.
Tea tree oil is effective against human papillomavirus and is often used for treating warts ( 2 ). Another study found that topical application of tea tree oil for 12 weeks reduced common warts caused by human papillomavirus ( 3 ). This suggests that it can be used as an alternative medicine to treat skin tags.
Tea tree oil is one of the most popular home remedies for skin tags . The following section teaches you how to use this essential oil effectively.
How To Use Tea Tree Oil On Skin Tags
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Note: Always consult a dermatologist or other qualified medical professionals to evaluate the skin tags to ensure they are not dangerous.
Follow the steps below to eliminate skin tags with tea tree oil:
- Clean the skin tags and the surrounding area with soap and warm water. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Dilute 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of any carrier oil like olive, coconut, or almond oils.
- Apply the oil blend to the skin tag(s) with a Q-tip.
- Let the oil dry. You may put some oil in a cotton ball, place it on the skin tag, and tape it.
- Repeat it thrice a day until the skin tag falls off.
Chuck, a fitness and product review vlogger, shares his experience of using tea tree oil to remove skin tags. He says, “I used tea tree oil for about two weeks, I think. And they (skin tags) swelled up a little bit at the beginning and then they kind of dried up and just fell off ( i ).” He also added that most of the skin tags hadn’t returned for about a year but he kept using tea tree oil as a preventive measure.
Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil For Skin
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- Its antioxidant properties may help promote natural skin radiance and support a youthful appearance.
- It exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may prevent acne ( 4 ).
- Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the risk of common skin infections like psoriasis ( 5 ).
- It may help combat excess oil in the skin by regulating sebum production ( 6 ).
- It may help soothe itchy skin and inflammation, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties ( 7 ).
However, apart from these benefits, the oil may also cause certain side effects. It is important to be aware of them too before you add tea tree oil to your skin care routine.
Side Effects And Risks
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Never use undiluted tea tree oil as it may irritate the skin. Also, if you are allergic to it, tea tree oil may cause:
- Itching
- Burning sensation
- Stinging sensation
- Redness
- Dry or rough skin
So, always consult your healthcare provider before using essential oils for skin tags or any skin conditions, especially if you have sensitive skin. Also, check the brands to ensure quality. Though skin tags do not necessarily require medical attention, it is certainly recommended that they be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional prior to treatment.
When To See Your Doctor
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If the skin tags persist even after several weeks of treatment with herbal remedies like tea tree oil, it is best to consult a doctor. There are non-surgical interventions that burn the skin tag off with plasma electricity. They are quick and effective and with minimal downtime. If you decide on surgical removal, the dermatologist will cut or remove the skin tags with a scalpel and scissors.
Professional Removal Methods
Professional skin tag removal offers several options. The most common methods include ( 8 ):
- Radiocautery: This is the most widely used technique. The device uses heat from an electric current to cauterize and remove the skin tag.
- Snip Excision: The skin tag is gently snipped off with sterile surgical scissors in this technique. It is quick and effective, especially for smaller skin tags.
- Cautery: Similar to radiocautery, this method uses heat to burn off the skin tag, often requiring minimal healing time.
- Cryosurgery: This method freezes the skin tag using liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off over time. Cryosurgery is often chosen for individuals sensitive to heat-based procedures.
For smaller skin tags, dermatologists may also use advanced laser treatments like the nanosecond Q-switched Nd or CO2 laser, which targets and removes the skin tag with precision. In some cases, a local anesthetic may be applied to ease any discomfort. Most of these methods are quick, and the small wound left behind usually heals naturally.
Infographic: Top 6 Reasons To Use Tea Tree Oil For Skin Tags
Skin tags are tiny, benign skin growths that can develop anywhere on the body. If you are looking for a natural way to treat them, try using tea tree oil. This oil has numerous properties that might help treat skin tags with minimal pain. We have compiled a list of the top reasons you should consider using tea tree oil to treat skin tags. Check out the infographic below for more details.
Skin tags are small, skin-colored growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the neck, groin, thighs, or armpits. For those seeking natural alternatives or home remedies, you may use tea tree oil for skin tags. Studies suggest that topical application of tea tree oil may reduce skin tags over time. Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin tags to avoid skin irritation. If you are allergic to tea tree oil, it is best to avoid it as you may experience swelling, redness, or burning. Consult a doctor if the skin tags persist for a few weeks and you would like to have them removed.
How long does it take to remove skin tags with tea tree oil?
It may take between a few weeks to months before your skin tag falls off.
Is tea tree oil safe for all skin types?
Tea tree oil is generally considered safe for most skin types. However, much anecdotal evidence suggest that it may cause irritation in some people with sensitive skin.
When should I stop using tea tree oil for skin tags?
You can stop using tea tree oil daily until the skin tag falls off; however, immediately discontinue use if you experience any redness or skin irritation.
Can I leave tea tree oil on my skin overnight for skin tags?
Yes. Tea tree is an essential oil with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties ( 9 ). If you are using tea tree oil for skin tags, it is generally safe to leave it on overnight.
Learn how to remove skin tags naturally with this easy-to-follow video! Discover simple, natural remedies to help you get rid of skin tags quickly and safely. Watch it now!
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze’s articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
References
- Human papillomavirus and skin tags: is there any association? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18583787/
- Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)-An Efficient Treatment for Warts: Two Case Reports https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313333903_Tea_Tree_Oil_Melaleuca_alternifolia-An_Efficient_Treatment_for_Warts_Two_Case_Reports
- Successful topical treatment of hand warts in a paediatric patient with tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18940708/
- Tea tree oil gel for mild to moderate acne https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27000386/
- Tea tree oil as a novel antipsoriasis weapon https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22473218/
- Tea Tree Oil: Properties and the Therapeutic Approach to Acne—A Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10295805/
- A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22998411/
- Skin Tags https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547724/
- Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16418522/
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