Does Tea Tree Oil Really Work 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).

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).