Skin Tag

Other names : acrochordon, cutaneous papilloma, cutaneous tag, fibroepithelial polyp, fibroma molluscum, fibroma pendulum, papilloma colli, soft fibroma, Templeton skin tag
Skin tags are invariably benign - non cancerous - tumors of the skin which cause no symptoms, unless it is repeatedly rubbed or scratched, as may happen with clothing, jewelry, or when shaving. Very large skin tags may burst under pressure. Skin tags are composed of a core of fibers and ducts, nerve cells, fat cells, and a covering or epidermis.
See also :

• Skin Cancer
• Basal Cell Carcinoma

Causes and Risk Factors

Some people are more susceptible to tags, either because of their overweight, partly due to heredity, and often for unknown reasons. People with diabetes and pregnant women tend to be more prone to skin tags. Dermatologists say that skin tags affect males and females equally. Skin tags are very common and generally occur after midlife. They are said to be caused by bunches of collagen and blood vessels which are trapped inside thicker bits of skin. They are believed to be the result of skin rubbing against skin. That is why they are generally found in skin creases and folds.

Skin tags are more common in:

• People who are overweight and obese, probably because they have more skin folds and creases
• Pregnant women - most likely because of the hormones secreted
• Individuals with diabetes
• People with the human papilloma virus (low-risk HPV 6 and 11)
• Illegal steroid use - they interfere with the body and muscles, causing the collagen fibers in the skin to bond, allowing skin tags to be formed.

According to the NIH (National Institutes of Health), USA, approximately 46% of people have skin tags.

A causal genetic component is thought to exist, i.e. susceptibility may be genetic. People with close family members who have skin tags are more likely to develop them themselves.

Skin tags are rarely associated with:

• Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome
• Polycystic ovary syndrome.

Symptoms

A small tag of skin which may have a peduncle (stalk) - they look like a small piece of soft, hanging skin. They can appear on any part of the surface of the body (skin), but most typically exist in areas where skin may rub against skin, such as the: Eyelids, Axillae (armpits), Under the breasts, Groin, Upper chest, Neck. Some people may have had skin tags and never noticed them - they would have rubbed or fallen off painlessly. In most cases, however, they do not fall off. The surface of skin tags may be smooth or irregular in appearance, they are often raised from the surface of the skin on fleshy peduncles (stalks). They are usually flesh-colored or slightly brownish.

Initially they are quite small, flattened like a pinhead bump. Skin tags can range in diameter from 2mm to 1cm; some may even reach 5cm.

As skin tags more commonly occur in skin creases or fold, it is believed they are mainly caused by skin rubbing against skin.

Natural Remedies

• Tea Tree can be used to remove skin tags. First, wash the affected area with soap and water, then dry the area thoroughly. Next, dip a q-tip halfway into some tea tree oil and apply the oil onto the skin tag. If needed, tea tree oil can be diluted with olive oil. Lastly, cover the skin tag with a band-aid. Reapply one drop of tea tree oil two more times throughout the day and cover with a new band-aid. You'll notice the skin tag shrink until it falls off on its own in a few days. If you don't notice much improvement, try applying the oil more frequently or adding more tea tree oil to the diluted blend. Tea tree oil is ideal for removing skin tags, because it will help soothe the skin and keep it from becoming infected.
• Garlic : This is another great natural antiseptic. For this remedy, you'll need some fresh garlic, a knife and some band-aids. First, start by washing the affected area with soap and water, then dry thoroughly. Next, slice a clove of garlic into "discs." Take a disc of garlic and rub it all over the skin tag. Lastly, cut the disc down to the size of the skin tag, apply it and cover with a band-aid. Do this in the morning and leave it on all day. Then remove the band-aid and garlic before bed and wash the affected area. Repeat this process until the skin tag falls off, 4-6 days. Alternatively, the garlic can be applied before bed and removed in the morning.
• Apple cider vinegar : Yet another wonderful use for apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar, like garlic and tea tree oil, is also a natural antiseptic. Use this vinegar to remove skin tags by first cleaning the affected area and running warm water over the skin tags until they become soft. Once the skin tags become soft, apply a cotton swab soaked in apple cider vinegar to the skin tag for 20 minutes. Next, rinse the apple cider vinegar off. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day until the skin tag falls off.
• Bloodroot : Due to its power and effectiveness while treating skin tags, bloodroot should be administered with extreme caution and it shouldn't come in contact with healthy skin because it will result in damaging it. It is therefore advisable that bloodroot salve or bloodroot paste isn't applied to skin tags on eyelids or any other sensitive areas like genitals, etc.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.