Skin Tags – What are they?
If you find yourself with fleshy and soft growths hanging from different parts of your skin, then it is probably skin tags. Skin tags are scientifically known as acrochordons and are not known to be a medical problem. Instead, skin tags are generally a concern in the cosmetic aspect.
Although they don’t usually cause pain or any discomfort, most people who have skin tags find them unsightly and would look for ways to try and remove them.
The common areas these benign skin growths appear are usually between folds on the skin where moisture is constantly in contact with friction. These areas include the underarms or armpits, under the breast, on the eyelids, around the neck, on the torso, or even around the genital area. Most of the time, skin tags can get irritated through our jewelry or clothing. However, they are generally painless. In rare cases, a skin tag can be twisted and form a tiny blood clot which can be slightly painful.
Since skin tags are not considered a medical problem, but your health insurance won’t likely cover a cosmetic one, removing it. That is why people are starting to learn to remove the unsightly fleshy growths at home using natural methods to save money as well as time. The good thing about removing skin tags is that they won’t grow back in the same place again.
Although there are safe and natural ways to remove them, it is important still to have any changes on your skin to be checked by your doctor or dermatologist. It is because these changes can indicate severe skin problems like cancer or melanoma. Similarly, searching for methods to remove them should be done with caution. Make sure that you do not apply substances that are not appropriate for removals like nail polish, duct tape, and other chemicals.
Skin Tags – What causes them?
There’s still a lot of scientific debates made on the origin of skin tags and what are their main causes. However, there are certain recognized factors in their possibility to happen. These factors include:
Skin tags are commonly seen in most people who are increasing in age. Along with the skin tags are age spots and wrinkles.
- Being a female
It is reported in several studies that women are more prone to getting skin tags than men. Moreover, it is more common in elderly or overweight women as well.
- Family genes
If one of your family members has skin tags, chances are, you also risk getting them as well.
- Imbalances with the hormones, or issues with metabolic syndrome
Several studies have shown that hormone-related issues can also trigger appearances of skin tags.
- Too much friction
As mentioned, certain clothing or jewelry that may cause friction with our skin can also develop skin tags over a certain period.
Skin Tags – How can it be removed?
Skin tags are generally not a medical issue. However, before removing them, make sure to check with your physician first. It is because certain changes can trigger a severe skin disease like cancer or melanoma.
Skin tags also supply blood so simply removing it by cutting, freezing or burning can risk infections and cause scars. There are safe and natural ways to remove skin tags that are easy and effective.
Below are six ways to remove skin tags naturally and safely:
- Make sure to limit sugar and maintain healthy blood sugar
It is said that diabetes or metabolic syndrome can cause skin tags. To prevent this, make sure that you lessen the risk by controlling sugar intake and eat lots of fiber-rich food. Consuming healthy fats instead of Transfat is also suggested to make you control your level of blood sugar.
- Use baking soda and castor oil together
For many years, castor oil has been used as a medicine staple by people. The same goes for baking soda. Both ingredients mixed together can effectively remove skin tags. Just apply the mixture on to your skin tags and place a peel before putting a bandage. You can repeat the process until the skin tag dies and break off. However, take caution if you are allergic or sensitive to latex.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
There has been proof that for many centuries apple cider vinegar has a lot of health benefits. It is because apple cider contains properties that can kill bad bacteria and maintain the pH balance of our body and is the perfect solution for skin problems. You can use this remedy by soaking a cotton ball with ACV and put it on a skin tag before placing a bandage over it. Make sure that you do not have sensitivity by checking for any reactions. Leave it on for 20 minutes daily until the skin tag dies. You might have to wait a couple of weeks before the results take place.
- Iodine
Iodine is a topical solution that can help you safely remove skin tags. Just apply it only on the skin tag and not the skin surrounding it. You can even use coconut oil and apply around the skin tag to be safe. Do this procedure at least twice a day until the skin tag dies and break off.
- Tea Tree Oil
This herbal remedy has also proven its many health benefits. Removing skin tags safely is one of them. Tea tree oil is loaded with antiseptic properties but safe and effective to remove skin tags. It also helps treat other skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. To remove the unsightly skin tag, place about six to eight drops of tea tree oil on a sterile cotton ball on the skin. Place a bandage and repeat until the skin tag dies and break off.
- Garlic
Although putting on this pungent smelling herb on your skin sounds ridiculous, it is actually one of the most effective. Crushed garlic has long been used for years as a remedy for warts and skin tag removals. Just take one large garlic clove and crush it to squeeze out the oils, and apply on the skin tags. Secure the skin tag with a bandage and leave it overnight.
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