How to Remove Skin Tags with OTC Wart Remover

Skin tags are different but similar to warts, and it is possible to use the same over-the-counter wart remover to get rid of them. Wart remover is not the best choice for skin tags (that would be your doctor), but you can do it yourself if necessary.

Skin tags are benign tumors (growths) on the surface of the skin. In contrast, warts are caused by a viral infection. Skin tags often appear where the skin is folded, such as in the armpit, in the skin folds of the neck, and behind the knee. Please reference the photo in this article to identify if you do indeed have a skin tag.

Skin tags are not dangerous and usually do not hurt. But they can be as aesthetically displeasing and for this reason you may wish to have your skin tag removed. If so, the best course of action is, as mentioned, to visit your doctor. The type of doctor that removes skin tags and warts is called a dermatologist. They have many modern methods of skin tag removal at their disposal — a much better option than using wart removal. So if you have the means, you should have your doctor remove your skin tag rather than trying to do-it-yourself.

If you don’t have access to a dermatologist, then there are over-the-counter medicines you can use as well. There are even products designed specifically for skin tag removal, although they are not as common as wart remover. If you’re going to buy a new product anyways, you might as well target one of these over-the-counter medicines made for skin tag removal.

That being said, if you have some wart remover already laying around your medicine cabinet, it’s quite possible to use it to remove skin tags, as well. Most wart removers use the active ingredient of salicylic acid. Check your wart remover to see if it uses salicylic acid. If so, you can use it to remove your skin tags.

Salicylic acid is a chemical that kills and burns off living, healthy skin cells. Both warts and skin tags are classified as healthy skin cells, as undesirable as they may be. Within minutes, salicylic acid will kill the outermost layer of cells that it comes in contact with. Several applications of the wart remover may be necessary to completely remove skin tag.

Skin tags are actually easier to remove with wart remover then are warts themselves. This is because skin tags are softer and do not have a hard outer skin covering like warts do. Usually, a couple applications of over-the-counter, salicylic acid based wart remover is all it takes to burn a skin tag off your body.

After removing the skin tag, the broken skin is very susceptible to infection. Just as with any other open wound, be diligent to keep the area clean, covered, and disinfected until the skin can heal itself.