Using garlic to remove skin tags is one of the most effective home remedies because garlic contains powerful enzymes and sulfur compounds. These natural chemicals work by “attacking” the small stalk of the skin tag, eventually causing it to dry up and fall off on its own. While a skin tag is harmless, many people find them annoying, and garlic provides a way to remove them without the need for cutting or using expensive chemicals.
When you apply garlic directly to the skin tag, the allicin (the active part of the garlic) helps to break down the cells that hold the tag together. Within a few days of consistent treatment, the skin tag will usually change color, shrink, and finally detach from the skin, leaving the area smooth.
Why Garlic Works on Skin Tags
- Enzymatic Action: Garlic contains natural enzymes that help dissolve the tissue that makes up the skin tag.
- Antiviral and Antibacterial: It ensures the area stays clean and free from infection while the skin tag is being treated.
- Tissue Shrinking: The sulfur in garlic helps to “suffocate” the blood supply to the skin tag, causing it to wither away.
- Safe and Natural: It is a chemical-free alternative to “freezing” kits found in pharmacies.
Recipe: The Garlic Skin Tag Paste
This method is the most direct way to get rid of a skin tag. You must be careful to only apply it to the tag itself to avoid irritating the healthy skin around it.
Ingredients:
- 1 Clove of Fresh Garlic
- A small piece of Medical Tape or a Bandage
- A tiny bit of Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)
Instructions:
- The Prep: Crush or finely slice the garlic clove to release the juices.
- The Protection: Before applying the garlic, rub a little bit of petroleum jelly on the healthy skin around the skin tag. This creates a barrier so the garlic doesn’t sting your normal skin.
- The Application: Place a small piece of the crushed garlic directly onto the skin tag.
- The Cover: Cover the garlic and the tag with a bandage or medical tape to hold it in place.
- The Timing: Leave this on for several hours or overnight.
- The Routine: Repeat this process every night. After 3 to 5 days, you will notice the skin tag turning dark or black. This means it is dying.
- The Result: Do not pull on it! Let it fall off naturally, which usually happens within a week.
Recipe: The Garlic and Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic
If you have a very small or stubborn skin tag, mixing garlic with vinegar can speed up the process.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of Garlic Juice (Squeezed from crushed garlic)
- 1 teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
Instructions:
- The Mix: Combine the garlic juice and vinegar in a small bowl.
- The Dab: Use a cotton swab to dab the mixture onto the skin tag 3 times a day.
- The Wait: Let it dry completely each time before covering it with clothing.
- The Finish: This double-acid approach works very fast to dry out the tag.
Three Tips for Safe Removal
- Check the Tag First: Only use this on skin tags (small, soft, flesh-colored growths). Do not use this on moles that have changed shape or color—always see a doctor for those.
- Be Consistent: The secret is not skipping a day. If you stop halfway, the skin tag might start to heal itself and stay attached.
- Keep it Clean: Once the tag falls off, keep the area clean and apply a little bit of honey or aloe vera to help the skin heal perfectly.
A Friendly Tip for Success
If the garlic smells too strong for you during the day, just stick to the overnight bandage method. You’ll know the “Garlic Remedy” is working when the skin tag becomes hard and loses its “squishy” feel!
