Pendulous fibroids, also known as acrochordon or more improperly "leeks", are skin growths that typically appear on the neck, as well as on other areas of the body. They are absolutely harmless, so surgical removal is not necessary. However, these skin changes, especially on the neck, are very visible, they can get caught in clothing or jewelry and cause irritation, so it's only natural to want to get rid of them. There are several ways to get rid of these unsightly skin growths, both at home and at the doctor's office. This article will describe each of these methods.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Approved Pharmacological Treatments
Step 1. Have them surgically removed
Probably the easiest way to get rid of skin tags is to ask your doctor to remove them. It can be a quick and easy procedure that takes place in the doctor's office. The doctor first cleans the entire area around the growth with alcohol, then with a sterilized pair of scissors or scalpel cuts off the growths.
- Small skin tags can be removed without anesthesia and are no more painful than a mosquito bite. However, if there are several in the same area or they are quite large, the doctor probably applies a numbing cream or uses a local anesthetic before proceeding.
- Leeks may bleed a little at first, but they typically heal within 24 hours.
Step 2. Have the skin tags cauterized
A very effective method of removing them is to burn them with an electric scalpel at the doctor's office. This way they turn black and fall off almost immediately.
- Unfortunately, this is considered a cosmetic surgery procedure, so it will hardly be covered by the National Health Service; similarly, if you have private health insurance, this surgery will most likely not be recognized as necessary and you will have to bear the cost.
- The exception is when skin tags have a suspicious appearance or manifest worrying symptoms, in which case their removal may be covered by healthcare.
Step 3. Make them freeze
Using a technique similar to cauterization, you can also freeze them with liquid nitrogen in a procedure known as cryotherapy. Cryotherapy is also used to treat other unwanted skin problems, such as warts and moles.
- Cryotherapy is also often considered an aesthetic procedure and is not covered by health care and most insurance policies.
- This therapy can leave a slight dark patch on the skin once the fibroids are removed, but it should fade over time.
Step 4. Have them removed with a laser treatment
Laser removal is a common and relatively painless remedy for removing skin tags. The dermatologist will go and use a concentrated laser to shrink the fibroid.
Step 5. Leave the skin tags on the skin
Keep in mind that they are completely harmless and it is not necessary to remove them for health reasons. If your neck leeks are small and aren't causing you any irritation, simply consider leaving them alone.
Method 2 of 4: Use Sterilized Scissors
Step 1. Sterilize a pair of scissors
The first important thing to do is to sterilize the scissors you plan to use to cut the skin tags. You can do this by following two different methods. The absolute best way is to use an autoclave (sterilization device), but not everyone can have one available and it is generally quite expensive to buy.
- Cheaper alternatives involve thoroughly cleaning the scissors with alcohol and a cotton swab or boiling the scissors in a pot of water for ten minutes.
- Wash your hands with antibacterial soap, carefully place the sterilized scissors on a clean towel and let them dry. From this moment, avoid touching the sterilized blade.
Step 2. Pinch the leek with tweezers and pull it so that it is taut
This allows you to extend it and have more space to cut with the scissors flush with its base. Before doing this, though, it's a good idea to numb the skin with some ice to minimize pain, although removing these growths is no more painful than a pinch, so this step is probably useless.
Step 3. Take the sterilized scissors and cut the skin tag
Place the scissors slowly and carefully to make sure you cut as close to the base as possible, but avoid hitting the surrounding skin. Once you are in position, cut in a quick motion to minimize pain. You should feel an instant pinch.
- As a substitute for sterilized scissors, you can also take a nail clipper for the same purpose. This tool may be easier to handle if the growth is on the back of the neck or in other hard-to-reach places.
- The important thing is to make sure you sterilize the clipper by following one of the methods described above, before using it.
Step 4. Clean the wound and cover it with a plaster
The spot where you cut will likely bleed a little, but this is normal. Disinfect the area carefully before covering it, as the last thing you want is to develop an infection. Blot the area with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol or iodine.
- Cover with a skin-colored plaster and give the wound time to heal for at least 24 hours.
- If you develop any signs of infection, such as swelling, soft touch, redness, or pus leaking around the wound, seek immediate medical attention.
Method 3 of 4: Using a Ligature
Step 1. Get some suture or dental floss
The ligation method involves wrapping a piece of thread around the base of the pendulous fibroid, cutting off circulation and causing it to die and fall off spontaneously.
- In general, any type of fine thread is fine, but suturing and interdental threads are the two most common solutions. Other options include the use of a thin line or even small rubber bands.
- This is a good method for those who are quite reluctant to cut leeks or unwilling to pay for medical treatment. It does not cause bleeding and is completely painless.
Step 2. Tie the thread around the base of the skin growth
This is the hardest part, especially when the leek is on the neck. If you decide to do it yourself with a mirror, you can carefully wrap the fibroid by placing a slipknot loop around it. Pull the thread carefully to make sure it is tight enough to cut off the blood supply.
This process can take some practice and persistence, as the ring will tend to slip when you pull the knot tight. If this is the case, it is probably wise to ask for help from a friend
Step 3. Leave the thread in place for a couple of days
Leave it tied around the growth, squeezing it a little if necessary. When the blood no longer circulates inside the leek, it will dry out and fall off soon.
- Keep in mind that both the size of the acrochordon and the type of more or less accurate tying can affect the time it takes for it to fall.
- By the time it falls out, the skin underneath will already be healed, so no action will be needed to disinfect or medicate it.
Step 4. Avoid irritating the skin growth
If the ligation you performed is visible or easily irritates the leek with clothing, you can decide to cover it with a small band-aid while waiting for it to fall spontaneously. Rubbing can cause irritation, redness or inflammation all around the area.
By preventing an additional source of irritation, the redness and inflammation will disappear relatively quickly
Method 4 of 4: Unverified Home Remedies
Step 1. Apply clear nail polish
A common home remedy for getting rid of skin tags is to cover them with a layer of clear nail polish, as it is believed to dry them out by dropping them spontaneously.
- It is enough to apply a layer of clear nail polish and wait for it to dry. Repeat this procedure 2 to 3 times a day until the leek shrinks and falls off.
- You can speed up the process a little by gently teasing the growth every day.
Step 2. Try Apple Cider Vinegar
This vinegar is known to be a very effective remedy for skin problems. Dip a cotton ball or Q-tip into the vinegar and apply it to the affected area. It probably pinches a little.
- Repeat this once or twice a day until you see the skin tag darken and fall off. It may take 2 to 4 weeks.
- Be careful not to apply vinegar to the surrounding skin, as it can burn.
Step 3. Use garlic
Crush a clove of garlic and soak a cotton ball with the juice. Apply the cotton to the growth and cover it all with a band-aid overnight. Remove the bandage in the morning. Apply another cotton ball the next night unless irritation has developed.
Step 4. Apply tea tree oil
This oil has been used successfully for centuries to treat many different skin conditions, including this type of skin growths. To use it, dip a cotton ball in water and add a couple of drops of therapeutic-grade essential oil.
- Dab the leek with the cotton ball dipped in this oil.
- Repeat the process once or twice a day until the fibroid dries up and falls off.
Step 5. Use over-the-counter creams
There are many non-prescription products on the market that appear to be able to get rid of skin tags. Some people find them very effective, while others have not found any benefit. Follow the directions on the package carefully to know how to use them.
Contact your trusted pharmacy to find a cream that meets your needs
Step 6. Try lemon juice
The citric acid contained in lemon juice can lighten and dry the skin and has been recognized as an effective remedy for this type of blemish. Just squeeze some fresh lemon juice into a container, dip a cotton swab into it and dab it on the skin tag.
- Alternatively, cut a lemon wedge and rub it directly on the affected area.
- Apply lemon juice daily, being careful not to spread it over the surrounding skin, until you see the leek dry out and fall off.
Step 7. Apply Vitamin E Oil
Applying this oil in combination with a patch is believed to help remove these skin growths. The patch restricts blood flow to the area, while vitamin E oil accelerates healing.
- To use it, break a capsule of vitamin E and rub the contents into the affected skin. Cover well with a band-aid.
- Leave it on for a day or two, then remove the patch, clean the area and repeat. Continue like this until the skin growth falls off.
Step 8. Cover the skin tag with tape
This is often used to remove moles, so it can act the same way for this type of skin problem as well. Put a piece of duct tape over the acrochordon and leave it in place until it begins to loosen.
- Remove the tape and see if the leek has come off with it.
- If not, keep repeating the process until the fibroid breaks off.
Advice
- Sometimes these growths come off accidentally while shaving (for men). Don't worry if that happens, it will probably bleed a little, but it's not dangerous.
- Contact your doctor for more information and to learn about the most correct and medically safe methods.
