For those who may not know, skin tags occur most commonly in areas in which the skin makes regular contact with other areas of skin, such as under the breast, buttocks, eyelids, neck, groin and/or armpits, and are medically referred to as acrochordons, cutaneous tags, fibroma mulloscum and cutaneous papilloma. Skin tags are considered to be benign (non-malignant/non-cancerous) tumors attached to the body by a peduncle (stalk), harmless and non-contagious. In very rare occasions, skin tags can be cancerous and this matter is further discussed below.
Although harmless, skin tags can be unappealing to the eye and as their name suggest, they can get “tagged” on objects such as clothing, necklaces, earrings, hats, sunglasses and so on; posing a risk for them to be ripped off instead of being removed properly. When a skin tag is ripped or cut off, there is an underlying risk of infection, therefore, this is the main reason as to why many opt for skin tag removal.
Removing Skin Tags with Apple Cider Vinegar
One method for naturally removing skin tags is the use of apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar, (ACV), is a type of vinegar made by the process of fermenting apples and in which withholds properties similar to those of many pharmaceuticals. Properties held by apple cider vinegar include antibacterial, anti-diabetic, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, astringent and laxative.
When using apple cider vinegar to target a(n) ailment(s), it is suggested to use a brand that contains the “mother;” a cellulose substance made up of various acetobacter (a highly acidic strand of bacteria). It is the “mother” that is responsible for giving apple cider vinegar its sour taste and antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
For those seeking to adhere to a more natural alterative for removing skin tags, steps for using apple cider are detailed below along with a list of what will be needed:
- What you will need – Mild, ant-bacterial soap, warm water, apple cider vinegar and a dropper or cotton ball.
- Step #1 – Using lukewarm water, wash the area with a mild, anti-bacterial soap and dry thoroughly.
- Step #2 – Pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into a cotton ball, just enough to soak the ball, and squeeze out any excess.
- Step #3 – Place the cotton ball on the skin tag and allow to sit for fifteen minutes.
- Step #4 – Continue repeating this process for 3-5 days until the skin tag completely dries up and goes away.
- Follow these steps for each skin tag individually and avoid getting apple cider vinegar in the eye(s).
- In some case, the treated skin tag may grow back or a new one may return; once again, simply follow the steps above for removing skin tags using apple cider vinegar.
Although there are conventional methods for removing skin tags, in order to avoid damaging and/or scaring the skin it is suggested to use an alternative approach such as applying apply cider vinegar for a short period of time. This process will allow for the matter to be resolved with peace of mind and ensure that no further issues are encountered. Generally, skin tags are of no major concern but should you be uncertain, it is recommended to see a dermatologist or other skincare physician.
Facts about Skin Tags
At some point or another, most everyone will experience at least one skin tag in his, or her, lifetime and some will encounter up to 100 or more. Skin tags can occur as one or in a cluster. Those most likely to be affected by skin tags are the middle-aged to elderly, obese men and women and pregnant women – due to hormone elevations; while adolescents are less likely affected, they are still vulnerable to skin tags and more likely to rip them off from scratching. In extremely rare cases, skin tags may become cancerous and a biopsy should be done if they display multiple colors – pink, brown, red or black – and/or if bleeding is present.
A Skin Tag in Detail
Skin tags are usually natural, or darkly, colored pieces of flesh that look like small, flattened balloons hanging from the skin and are made up of blood vessels and collagen. Skin tags are usually small, about 2-5mm, however, can be larger, 1-5cm, and do not cause any discomfort or pain but can be irritating. Although prominent to the areas mentioned above, skin tags can also occur on the face, stomach, back, legs or any other area of the body. Other common skin conditions that can appear as skin tags include; cysts, moles, milia, warts, neurofibromas, nevus lipomatosus and seborrheic keratoses.
Methods of Removing Skin Tags
Skin tags can be removed using a number of techniques including but not limited too; A skin tag freeze kit, tying them off with a thread and/or cutting them with a pair of scissors. Although these methods are not recommended, they are commonly resorted to due to a lack of knowledge in having them removed naturally.
When a skin tag is removed in one of the manners mentioned above, there is likely to be damage and/or scarring caused to the skin in that area and bleeding can occur.
For a complete list of popular home remedies, be sure to swing by our article how to remove skin tags at home.