If you have skin tags, those annoying yet thankfully noncancerous pieces of tissue that can appear nearly anywhere on the body, you may have wondered how to get rid of them safely and naturally. Here are some ways to remove skin tags with food you may already have in your kitchen.

What are skin tags?

Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, cutaneous tags, fibroma mulloscum, and cutaneous papilloma, among other names, are benign skin tumors that often are attached to the body via a stalk (peduncle). They typically appear in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as the armpits, under the breasts, neck, eyelids, and groin.

Because skin tags commonly form in skin folds and creases, they generally appear more often among individuals who are overweight or obese. Pregnant women also are at greater risk for developing skin tags, and this may be associated with a change in hormone levels.

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Skin tags are believed to be caused by an accumulation of collagen (a type of protein) and blood vessels inside thicker areas of skin. Nearly half of people in the United States have skin tags, according to the National Institutes of Health.

How to get rid of skin tags naturally
Before you try any of these methods, be sure the clump of skin you want to remove is truly a skin tag and not a mole or wart. A healthcare professional can answer that question for you.

Although skin tags can be removed quickly by a healthcare provider in the office, natural methods can take a week or longer, so you need to be patient. If you are ready, open up your kitchen cabinets and find a method that appeals to you.

Always gently clean and dry the skin tag before applying any of these methods. Skin tags that appear on the eyelid or near the eye are best handled by a medical professional.

• Apple cider vinegar. Use a cotton ball or soft cloth to apply apple cider vinegar to the skin tag 8 to 10 times a day. Rub gently in a circular motion. The tag should fall off in about 1 week.
• Baking soda and castor oil. Mix a small amount of castor oil with baking soda to make a paste. Apply the paste and cover with an adhesive bandage overnight. Clean the tag in the morning and repeat application of the paste every night for 8 to 10 days.
• Banana peel. Apply a small piece of banana peel, the inside of the peel against the skin tag, and cover with an adhesive bandage. Wear overnight. Remove during the day, and repeat every night until the skin tag falls off.
• Fruit juice. Use only fresh lemon, lime, or pineapple juice. Apply to the skin tag 2 to 4 times a day with a cotton ball. Do not rinse the juice off. The tag should fall off in about 7 to 10 days.
• Garlic. Apply minced garlic to the tag and cover with an adhesive bandage. Change the bandage three times a day. This approach may be offensive if you work in an office! To avoid skin irritation, you can mix a drop or two of vitamin E oil with the garlic.
• Ginger. Rub fresh ginger slices on the skin tag for several minutes 8 to 10 times a day. The skin tag should fall off within 2 weeks.

Skin tags can be a nuisance if clothing or jewelry rub against them and cause irritation. If you want to remove skin tags naturally, you might consider some of the natural methods using food discussed here.

REFERENCE
MedicalNewsToday

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