Skin tags can develop anywhere on the body, though they are often the result of chafing and irritation where skin is constantly rubbing against other skin. Obesity is associated with the growth of skin tags due to extra skin folds and increased friction.

Who Is  More Likely To Develop Skin Tags?

Skin tags are very common; 50% of the adult population develops them by  middle age.

Apart from weight, other contributing factors include genetics, diabetes, insulin rejection, and pregnancy. Steroid use can interfere with the body and muscles, which in turn can affect the skin, causing collagen fibers to bond in such a way that skin tags are formed.

Where Do Skin Tags Appear?

Common sites for skin tags are the eyelids, under the breasts, the armpits and the upper chest, but there are other types of skin tags, too. Genital tags include anal skin tags, groin skin tags, and vaginal skin tags.

Although groin and vaginal skin tags are harmless and benign, many people become embarassed or they worry about the tags being something more sinister. As the genital area is moist and the skin is often sensitive and tender, these skin tags can be more easily irritated, chafed, infected, or injured by rubbing against underwear or from friction during sports, exercise, or sexual activities. And skin tags in the vaginal area are more vulnerable during menstruation because they swell during this time.

All Skin Tags Are Similar Except for Anal Skin Tags

Anal skin tags can differ from regular skin tags as they are often the result of another condition called an anal fissure, a small tear in the anus caused by a hard stool. During the healing process of this tear, the anal skin becomes uneven, resulting in an anal skin tag. These same anal skin tags can also develop following hemorrhoids as the tissue-swelling (associated with the hemorrhoids) may extend to the anal skin. One of the differences between anal and other skin tags is that they can be itchy or painful. All skin tags can bleed if torn because they have their own blood supply.

Conventional Methods for Skin Tag Removal

By far, the easiest time to remove skin tags is when they are small. Conventional methods may involve some pain and discomfort and any surgery in the anal area (however small) may cause some post-operative pain.

• Cryotherapy – a doctor freezes off the skin tag using liquid nitrogen.
• Surgical excision – a doctor cuts off the skin tag using a local anesthetic to dull the pain.
• Electrocautery (which is a suitable treatment for large skin tags) – a doctor cuts off the tag and cauterizes the wound.
• Laser treatment (which can be used on anal skin tags rather successfully) – a doctor removes the tag with a laser and the whole anal area is resurfaced at the same time, which is a bonus.

Natural Skin Tag Removal

Natural removal means not having to resort to painful methods that can end up with scarring. All types of skin tags can be treated naturally. And, of course, natural methods are far less expensive than conventional ones.

Here Are Five Suggestions for Natural Skin Tag Removal

1. Apply cider vinegar to the skin tag with a cotton ball. The only discomfort could be a stinging sensation. After a couple of days, you may notice that the skin tag changes color (becoming darker), but carry on applying for up to 4 weeks until the tag disappears.
2. Castor oil can be made into a natural skin tag removal ointment by mixing it with baking soda to create a paste. You might want to add a few drops of citrus oil to improve the aroma. Keep applying the paste to the skin tag until the tag is eliminated.
3. You can apply garlic juice or a sliver of garlic to any skin tag at night and cover with a bandage. The next morning, remove the garlic and rinse the tag. Repeat the process for the next two nights and then stop. Repeat if necessary after a week or two.
4. Pure natural pineapple juice can also be used. Apply twice a day for a week or longer, but do not wash off the juice until the skin tag is eliminated.
5. H-Skin Tags Formula is an ideal natural removal product for all types of skin tags, however sensitive the area. It is safe and gentle without any pain or scarring.

A Word or Two of Warning

Do not use any over-the-counter products for the removal of anal or genital skin tags. These chemicals are too harsh.

If you are in any doubt about whether a growth is a skin tag, ask for a definite diagnosis from your medical practitioner.

Conclusion

It is worth repeating that the easiest time to remove a skin tag is when it is small and easy to twist. The important thing is to choose as safe and painless a method as possible – whatever size they are and wherever they occur.

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• Natural Remedies and Prevention For Skin Tags

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:

• What are skin tags? What causes skin tags? – Medical News Today
• Skin Tag – Web M.D.
• Cutaneous Skin Tag – Medline Plus
• 7 Fantastic Home Remedies to Remove Skin Tags – Simple Household Tips