As we age, many of us will develop skin tags. Yes, they are more prevalent in people who are overweight or obese, in those who are pre-diabetic or diabetic, and in the elderly. But the truth is, nearly half of us will have one or more by middle age. Pregnancy, steroid use, genetics, and the HPV virus also increase the incidence of skin tags.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are small flaps of skin that usually appear in places where skin rubs against skin, such as the eyelids, underarms, groin, neck, under breasts, or in skin folds. Although they can reach up to one half an inch in width, they are usually no bigger than an apple seed. They are often attached to the body by a “stalk” of skin, smaller than the body of the tag. They may be a little darker than normal skin color or may be the same color as the skin.
Skin tags are known by many names:
- acrochordon
- cutaneous papilloma
- cutaneous tag
- fibroepithelial polyp
- fibroma molluscum
- fibroma pendulum
- papilloma colli
- soft fibroma
- Templeton skin tag
Skin tags are benign skin tumors that do not pose a problem unless their appearance is disturbing or if they are in a place where friction causes discomfort or shaving is problematic. They can, however, rarely be associated with Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome and Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Conventional Treatment for Skin Tags
General treatment is removal via surgery (just cutting or clipping), freezing, or burning.
Alternative Treatment for Skin Tags
When it comes to natural treatments, all are not created equal. A number of natural treatments cause skin tags to dry up and fall off, but many of them are slow, taking weeks to months to produce results. In addition, some require application many times a day.
Natural remedies include:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Banana peel
- Castor oil
- Dandelion juice
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Oil of oregano
- Tea tree oil
Of the choices, castor oil seems the easiest to use, and it has the added benefit of not irritating surrounding tissues. Just wash and dry the area; apply castor oil five or more times a day.
Apple cider vinegar, dandelion juice, and lemon juice are used the same way, simply apply several times a day.
To use oil of oregano, mix with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) with a 1 to 2 ratio (2 drops of oil of oregano to 4 drops of oil).
To use tea tree oil, mix with a few drops of water.
Garlic can be applied as a sliver with a bandage or as a paste of crushed garlic, though be aware that many complain of a burning sensation and skin irritation.
A piece banana peel can be taped to the site at night, the inside of the peel against the skin.
Most of these natural remedies take weeks of diligent application before you see results.
Conclusion
According to the odds, if you have skin tags you may be pre-diabetic or have been diagnosed with type II diabetes, and you are struggling with your weight. If you are looking for a diet that will make you feel wonderful and bring your blood sugar back in line quickly and effortlessly, check out the 80% Raw Food Diet and read 8 Easy Steps to Health.
Sources:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
http://www.simplehouseholdtips.com
