Bloodroot & Skin Tags
| BySkin tags are benign, harmless growths on the uppermost surface of the skin. They are generally flesh-colored bumps attached to the skin by thin stalks. According to Mayo Clinic, skin tags most often occur in skin folds that receive a large amount of friction, such as the breasts, neck and groin. Although skin tags are not harmful, some people wish to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. Bloodroot, a caustic medicinal herb, has been used traditionally to eliminate skin tags, but this practice is controversial and potentially dangerous.
Use
Dr. Andrew Weil, a renowned naturopathic physician, recommends the application of bloodroot-based pastes to eliminate skin tags. According to Dr. Weil, these caustic products trigger inflammation at the base of the skin tag. The tag then turns white due to loss of circulation, then falls off. Weil reports that this procedure usually causes minimal scarring and no damage to surrounding tissue. Nevertheless, the use of any herbal salve is controversial within mainstream medical circles.
Method of Application
Dr. Weil recommends that people with unwanted skin tags apply bloodroot paste to the site of a skin tag. Apply a bandage to the area, and change the bandage a few times per day. Each time you change the bandage, you should wash the area with hydrogen peroxide and then re-apply the bloodroot paste. Dr. Weil recommends this treatment for a maximum of three days to prevent serious side effects. According to Dr. Stephen Barrett, a vocal critic of alternative medicine, many topical bloodroot products or "black salves" also contain zinc oxide, iodine and other ingredients. Neither Weil nor Barrett recommend these combination products.
Controversy
Despite Dr. Weil's recommendations regarding bloodroot, mainstream medical practitioners generally advise against its use. Dr. Weil notes that a compound extracted from bloodroot is used as part of a clinical treatment for skin tags and skin cancer, but bloodroot itself is not approved for this purpose. Dr. Barrett strongly opposes all uses of bloodroot, noting a risk of serious side effects for people who have used it as a home remedy for skin cancer. Echoing these concerns, Mayo Clinic urges people with skin problems to avoid self-treatment with caustic salves.
Side Effects
A 2002 report published in the "Archives of Dermatology" examined the effects of bloodroot salves on people with skin cancer. In four reported cases, a combination of bloodroot and zinc oxide either failed to treat the cancer or caused significant disfiguration. Dr. Stephen Barrett refers to several patients who suffered from deep tissue damage caused by bloodroot and zinc oxide preparations. In several cases, corrosive salves caused significant loss of bone and tissue, leading to severe pain and disfigurement.
Considerations
If you do choose to use bloodroot as a home remedy for skin tags, follow Dr. Weil's guidelines carefully and check with a qualified practitioner before attempting this home remedy. Use only a paste made from bloodroot and water, not other caustic ingredients. Mayo Clinic urges patients to seek expert diagnosis for skin tags, noting that patients may mis-identify a skin growth. Several conditions, including moles, warts, seborrheic keratoses and skin cancer can resemble skin tags. Seek expert evaluation if you are uncertain about the nature of your skin problems.
