Skin Tags
Description
This page has 10 references
"Skin Tags" are soft, harmless growths that appear where skin folds rub together—such as underarms, neck, or groin. These small bumps consist of collagen and blood vessels enclosed in skin. Risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, insulin resistance, and friction from clothing. While they’re benign, some people choose removal for cosmetic reasons or if irritation occurs. Removal options include freezing, tying, or minor surgery. Managing metabolic health and reducing friction helps prevent recurrence and skin irritation.
Symptoms & Signs
Body System
Skin, Hair and Nails
Causes
Insulin Resistance, Diabetes, Obesity, Pregnancy, Aging
Things To Do
Dietary recommendations for skin tag management should focus on improving insulin sensitivity:
consume a whole-foods-based diet that contains fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, fish, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Consume a moderate amount of carbohydrates to reduce blood sugar spikes that can contribute to weight gain and insulin problems.
eat healthy fats, such as olive oils, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, ghee, butter and oils from whole foods like fish, avocados, nuts, seeds, etc.
opt for high-fiber intake. Add plenty of fresh and cooked vegetables and a serving of fruit a day.
Consume prebiotic and probitic foods. They strengthen your gut flora and boost immune function and digestion.
use sugar substitutes, such as stevia, erythritol, xylitol, monk fruit extract, etc.
stay hydrated. Drink a lot of quality mineral water and herbal and green tea.
Furthermore, incoprorate the following:
intermittent fasting. It helps manage weight and blood glucose levels.
Get regular physical exercise. Movement aids in the proper maintenance of body weight and promotes digestion.
get quality sleep. Sleep is essential for a healthy metabolism.
Keep your skin moisturized, especially in places where the skin folds.
Wear loose clothes that won't rub and irritate your skin.
Things To Avoid
To better care for your skin, avoid the following:
processed, junk, and fast foods. They contribute to weight gain, obesity development, and a range of metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and diabetes.
refined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates are devoid of fiber and cause sudden spikes in blood glucose levels.
sugar, sugary drinks, candy, desserts, and pastries. Sugar is a main contributor to the development of diabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity.
Reduce the number of alcoholic beverages that you drink. Alcohol is high in carbohydrates, which raise insulin levels.
Watch out for starchy vegetables. Starches also cause spikes in blood glucose and contribute to an increased secretion of insulin.
Furthermore, avoid the following:
smoking that causes systemic inflammation and impacts metabolism.
sedentary lifestyle that contributes to weight gain.
poor bedtime hygiene that may influence sleep quality.
medications that contain added sugar.
Supplements
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements directly affect skin tags by supporting skin cell turnover, regulating insulin sensitivity, or influencing growth factor activity related to skin lesions.
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements do not target skin tags directly but may support metabolic health, hormonal balance, or reduce inflammation that can contribute to skin irregularities.
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
Natural Compounds
These natural compounds may help manage skin tags by supporting skin renewal, aiding local irritation relief, or contributing to metabolic balance.
Iodine Liquid: Iodine liquid, when applied to the skin, can cause the breakdown of skin cells due to its caustic and antiseptic properties, gradually leading to the fading or removal of skin tags.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is believed to shrink skin tags over time, potentially due to its acidity. Although anecdotal evidence supports this, no scientific studies confirm its effectiveness.
Sodium Bicarbonate and Castor Oil: Sodium bicarbonate mixed with castor oil creates a paste that is believed to reduce skin tags gradually. Both ingredients may have anti-inflammatory properties, though evidence supporting this method is primarily anecdotal.
Plant Extracts
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These plant extracts directly support the reduction of skin tags by promoting tissue drying, regulating localized skin growth, or delivering natural antiviral or astringent effects.
Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil may dehydrate skin tags due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular application could cause the tag to dry up and fall off, although results are largely anecdotal.
Oregano Oil: Oregano oil, diluted and applied topically, may help reduce the size of skin tags by leveraging its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds, including carvacrol. This oil promotes gradual removal through its natural therapeutic effects.
Fig Stem Latex Extract: Traditional use and anecdotal evidence show that topical application of fig latex can degrade skin tag tissue due to its proteolytic enzymes (like ficin), which break down abnormal skin growths.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These extracts do not act directly on skin tags but may support immune regulation, detoxification, or skin health more broadly.
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
Alternative Treatments
These alternative therapies support skin tag removal, promote healthy skin appearance, and assist in reducing recurrence by encouraging systemic balance.
Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy, involving freezing skin tags with extreme cold, is a medically accepted treatment often performed by dermatologists to safely and effectively remove skin tags.
Functional Lab Tests You May Wish to Explore
Books Worth Considering for Deeper Insight
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Podcasts That Offer Valuable Perspectives
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Educational Videos To Learn From
How Key Nutrients Support the Body
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Essential Nutrients Explained
References
[1] Capriotti K, Stewart KP, Pelletier JS, Capriotti J. A Novel Topical 2% Povidone-Iodine Solution for the Treatment of Common Warts: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled Trial. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2015;5(4):247-252.
[2] Orchard A, van Vuuren S. Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:4517971.
[3] Julie Davis Canter, Ross Radusky MD. Skin Tags: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options. Everyday Health. Skin and Beauty. 2019, Jun.
[4] Moles, Freckles, Skin Tags, Lentigines & Seborrheic Keratoses. Cleveland Clinic: Health Library. 2018, Sept.
[5] Jacks J. Removing Skin Tags, Warts and Moles and Safely and Naturally. Lulu Com, 2013.
[6] Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W. A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2494.
[7] Skin Tag Removal: Why You Shouldn’t DIY. Cleveland Clinic: Skin Care & Beauty. 2021, Mar.
[8] Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006;19(1):50-62.
[9] Antunes A, Rossel B, Adriaens E. Efficacy evaluation of the pixie® skin tag cryogenic device on skin tags in a prospective, single-blinded, randomized, comparative clinical trial. Dermatology and Therapy. 2021 Jun;11(3):995-1007.
[10] Taylor JE, Osmun WE. Just a pinch: technique for skin tag removal in sensitive areas. Canadian Family Physician. 2016 Dec 1;62(12):998-9.