Skin tags vary in color and shape, ranging from small freckle-like dots to a raised growth larger than a quarter. Many people have them removed for cosmetic reasons, even if they don't interfere with daily life. Although it's possible to treat skin tags yourself, it's best to see a doctor to have them removed. Cleveland Clinic notes that your doctor can remove them with a scalpel, electricity or cryotherapy.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small flaps of extra tissue that form in areas where your skin folds. According to Cleveland Clinic, they are often connected to the skin underneath by a short "stalk" of flesh. Skin tags aren't harmful and are almost always benign. However, they can sometimes be irritated by clothing or movement. Cleveland Clinic also says skin tags appear more frequently on women and senior citizens, especially those who experience weight gain.
Causes
In "Manual of Dermatologic Therapeutics," Julie Neville and Gil Yosipovitch note three main triggers for skin tags: conditions that usually cause weight gain such as pregnancy or obesity, menopause or endocrine system disorders. There is also a theory that skin tags may be an indicator for diabetes, although Neville and Yosipovitch caution that this theory remains controversial among medical professionals.
Emu Oil
The emu is a large, flightless bird native to Australia. For centuries, the Aborigines have used emu fat and oil as a soothing balm for skin wounds and sunburns. In "Earl Mindell's Supplement Bible," author Earl Mindell notes that emu oil, made from rendered emu fat, contains linolenic acid, which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Emu oil is commonly used to relieve the pain of arthritis as well as to moisturize facial skin and help prevent wrinkles. Although scientific evidence linking emu oil and arthritis treatments are still mostly anecdotal, Mindell thinks emu oil can help soothe aching muscles as well as help skin wounds heal faster.
Significance
Numerous online vendors and health forums claim emu oil can do everything from reduce the look of scars and stretch marks to remove diabetic sores and, occasionally, skin tags. However, this evidence remains anecdotal --- there is no published, peer-reviewed scientific evidence proving emu oil has an effect on skin tags.
Benefits
Although it cannot remove or shrink skin tags, emu oil may work well as a moisturizer to help reduce irritation if your skin tags become inflamed or irritated. In "Prescription for Natural Healing," author Phyllis Balch notes that emu oil's linoleic acid, linolenic acid and oleic acid can help relieve common skin conditions such as rashes, poison ivy and irritation from insect bites. Because of emu oil's anti-inflammatory properties, you can also massage the oil into sore muscles, strains and sprains for temporary pain relief.
References
- ClevelandClinic: Moles, Freckles, Skin Tags, Benign Lentigines, and Seborrheic Keratoses
- "Manual of Dermatologic Therapeutics"; Kenneth A. Arndt and Jeffrey T.S. Hsu; 2007
- "Earl Mindell's Supplement Bible"; Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.; 1998
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
