If you’ve ever had skin tags or warts, you know how stubborn they can be. These skin growths are extremely common, and while I’ve already shared how to treat them with apple cider vinegar, in this post we’ll explore another powerful option: hydrogen peroxide.

Skin Tags and Warts: How Common Are They?

Both conditions are surprisingly widespread. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH, USA), about 46% of people will have skin tags. Meanwhile, WebMD reports that most people will develop at least one wart in their lifetime.

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags, or acrochordon, look like tiny, soft pieces of hanging skin, often attached by a stalk. They are harmless and typically appear after mid-life. Contributing factors include genetics, obesity, and diabetes. Hormonal changes also make them more common during pregnancy.

Skin tags often form where skin rubs against skin—such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts, eyelids, and neck—but they can appear anywhere on the body.

What Are Warts?

Warts are small, firm growths with a rough surface, often found on the hands or feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which triggers the top skin layer to grow too quickly.

Scratches or cuts increase the risk of infection, as the virus enters through broken skin. Warts can spread to other body parts and even to other people via skin-to-skin contact or shared items like towels and shoes. For this reason, it’s best to treat them early.

A Word of Caution

Before attempting any at-home treatment, make sure the growth is truly a benign skin tag or wart and not a mole or another type of lesion that could be malignant. Always get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional.

The Power of Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural astringent and bleaching agent with many uses—from whitening teeth and treating toenail fungus to disinfecting surfaces. It also works as an effective remedy for skin tags and warts.

Which Type Should You Use?

For removal, you’ll need 35% food-grade hydrogen peroxide. Unlike the common 3% solution found in drugstores, this higher concentration is more effective but also more caustic. It’s usually purchased online rather than over the counter.

Storage Tips:

• Keep it in a dark container in a cool place, as heat and light degrade it.

• For longer shelf life, store it in the freezer.

Safety Precautions:

• Label the bottle clearly and keep it away from children and pets.

• Never ingest hydrogen peroxide—it is toxic.

• Handle carefully, as 35% is far stronger than regular 3% solutions.

How to Remove Warts or Skin Tags with Hydrogen Peroxide

You’ll need:

• Cotton swabs

• 35% food-grade hydrogen peroxide

• A nail file or pumice stone (for plantar warts)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the area – For plantar warts, gently file away the top layer of skin.

2. Apply hydrogen peroxide – Dip a cotton swab into the solution and carefully dab it on the wart or skin tag. Avoid touching healthy skin.

3. Repeat – Do this 3 to 5 times daily for one to two weeks.

4. Observe changes – The treated skin may turn white at first—this is normal.

5. Healing process – Continue until the wart darkens, scabs, and eventually falls off.

Plantar warts may require longer treatment since they grow deeper into the skin.

Extra Precautions

• Never use hydrogen peroxide near the eyelids, as it can damage the eyes.

• If treating a sensitive area, consider diluting the solution or trying another method.

• Apply only on the affected spot, avoiding surrounding skin.

Final Thoughts

Hydrogen peroxide offers a cost-effective, natural, and practical solution for skin tag and wart removal. With consistent use and proper precautions, you can safely manage these skin issues at home.

However, if the treatment doesn’t work—or if you’re uncertain about the diagnosis—always seek help from a dermatologist.

Patience and consistency are key. With careful application, you can say goodbye to warts and skin tags with minimal discomfort.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Consult your doctor before making health changes.