How long does it take for tea tree oil to remove skin tags?

Skin tags are not harmful to your health, according to Medical News Today, but they can be a nuisance you'd rather be rid of. While it's not a medical necessity to remove skin tags, there are several remedies you can utilize to remove these small growths of skin, both at home and in a doctor's office.

According to Verywell Health, a doctor or dermatologist can burn, freeze, or use a scalpel to remove a skin tag. Although you may be tempted to cut off a skin tag yourself, it's recommended that you avoid doing so as it can cause infection (via Medical News Today).

Even though you should avoid performing at-home surgical skin tag removals, there are many safe remedies for getting rid of them that won't cause adverse reactions. Tea tree oil is a natural product commonly used in skincare remedies thanks to its antimicrobial properties. According to Healthline, there's "no scientific evidence to support claims that tea tree oil works for skin tags." However, theories and anecdotal reports show it might be beneficial. As tea tree oil is known to be a drying agent, applying it to skin tags may cause them to shrivel up and fall off (via USA Rx).

How to use tea tree oil to get rid of skin tags

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There are a few things to keep in mind when using tea tree oil to remove those pesky skin tags. According to Medicine Net, you should dab the oil directly onto the affected area each night before bed and cover the area with a bandage. After a few days, your skin tags may fall off. 

While you have the option of using undiluted tea tree oil, Healthline says you can also choose to pair it with apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar on its own is another home remedy people use for removing skin tags, according to Style Craze. But keep an eye on the area where you're applying these methods as both tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar may cause your skin to become irritated.

If irritation occurs, you can dilute your tea tree with a soothing carrier oil like olive oil or almond oil (via VeryWell Health). Lastly, when using tea tree oil, be sure to only use it for topical purposes as it can be extremely toxic when ingested (via Mayo Clinic).

Skin tags are painless, flesh-coloured growths that hang off the skin. They’re very common, affecting up to half the population. Skin tags are harmless, but they can be unsightly and uncomfortable when they grow in delicate locations such as the eyelids, groin, and armpits.

Tea tree oil has been used for thousands of years by the aboriginal people of Australia. They rely on their antiseptic power to help treat wounds and fight off infections.

Today, tea tree oil is primarily used to treat athlete’s foot, acne, and fungal infections. Due to its fresh scent, tea tree oil is a common ingredient in beauty products, such as soaps, shampoos, and moisturizers. You can find pure tea tree oil anywhere essential oils are found.

Keep reading to learn more about this alternative treatment and how you can try using it at home to get rid of your skin tags.

Effectiveness of tea tree oil for skin tags

There’s no scientific evidence to support claims that tea tree oil works for skin tags, but there are theories to support its use.

Dehydrating effects

StudiesTrusted Source show that tea tree oil is an effective treatment for acne. It works because it kills bacteria and helps dry up pimples. It’s possible that tea tree oil could also help dry up skin tags.

Dermatologists often treat skin tags by tying a suture around the base of the tag. This cuts off the skin tag’s blood supply, causing it to dry up and fall off.

Tea tree oil could be an alternative to this procedure, but you may be better off tying a piece of dental floss around the base of your tag.

Other health benefits of tea tree oil

Antiviral

Tea tree oil has powerful antiviral properties. StudiesTrusted Source have shown that tea tree oil can help prevent the spread of flu and other viruses.

Immune boosting

StudiesTrusted Source shows that tea tree oil activates the immune system’s white blood cells. This may help the body fight of infections.

Antimicrobial

Tea tree oil has been used as an antiseptic solution for centuries. StudiesTrusted  Source shows that adding it to soap helps kill viruses and bacteria. It can also help clean wounds and prevent infections.

Antifungal

StudiesTrusted Source shows that tea tree oil works to kill the infection-causing fungus. People commonly use it to treat athlete’s foot and nail fungus. It can also be used to treat yeast infections and oral thrush, both of which are caused by Candida yeasts.

How to use tea tree oil on skin tags

Tea tree oil can be used in many different ways. Here are a few examples of how you can use tea tree oil on your skin tags:

Tea tree oil compress

Use a tea tree oil solution:

1. Soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil.
2. Use a bandage or a piece of tape to secure the cotton ball to your skin tag.
3. Let it sit overnight.
4. Repeat nightly until the skin tag falls off.

Discontinue if you experience irritation.

Vinegar mix

Use a combination of 100 percent tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar:

1. Soak a cotton ball in the apple cider vinegar.
2. Add a few drops of tea tree oil.
3. Use tape to secure the cotton ball to your skin tag.
4. Leave in place for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Rinse the area with soap and water.
6. Repeat up to three times per day.

Never use this vinegar mix near your eyes.

Diluted tea tree oil

Tea tree essential oil can be very harsh and may cause skin irritation. Instead of using pure tea tree oil, try diluting it with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of carrier oil with 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil.
2. Apply the mixture to your skin tag at least twice per day until it falls off.
   • Add 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil to 1 cup of clean water.
   • Add 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
   • Put the mixture in the microwave for about 1 minute.
   • Soak a clean cloth or paper towel in the solution and then hold it on your skin tag for 5 to 10 minutes.
   • Repeat 2 to 3 times per day until your tag falls off.

Tea tree oil salt soak

Tea tree oils come in many strengths and some are already diluted. Read the labels carefully — 100 percent tea tree oil can be very irritating to the skin. Don’t take tea tree oil internally.

Side effects and risks

Some people experience mild skin reactions when applying tea tree oil to their skin.

Before using it to treat your skin tag, perform a patch test:

1. Place a small amount of tea tree oil on your arm.
2. Wait 24 to 48 hours.
3. Watch for any adverse reactions.

If you experience a reaction, don’t use tea tree oil.
Never ingest tea tree oil, it’s toxic. Drinking it can cause a serious reaction, including confusion and loss of muscle coordination.
Don’t use tea tree oil near your eyes.

When to see your doctor

If your skin tag isn’t going away on its own after a few weeks of treatment, consider talking to a doctor. Doctors have several effective methods that can be completed quickly and easily during an office visit. Your doctor may choose to snip your skin tag off with sterile scissors, remove it with a scalpel, or tie a suture around the base.

The takeaway

Tea tree oil has many medicinal uses, but treating skin tags isn’t a traditional one. There may be better methods available to you for removing a skin tag. Talk to your doctor about in-office procedures to remove skin tags.

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