Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, appear as small, fleshy growths of excess tissue that occur in clusters around your armpits, eyelids, groin, neck and other body folds. The growths commonly show up in middle age and can be annoying, embarrassing and unsightly. While MayoClinic.com stresses that you consult a physician before implementing any home treatment for skin tags, practitioners of alternative medicine claim that skin tags are usually harmless and may benefit from certain herbs.
Bloodroot
Native to North American woodlands, bloodroot was used by Native Americans medicinally to treat a variety of ailments including ringworm, skin ulcers, skin tumors and cancerous sores. The root of the herb contains sanguinarine, an alkaloid providing antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antioxidant effects. Herbalists use a caustic paste made from the plant to treat a variety of skin problems including skin tags. Dr. Lim of the Mayo Clinic notes, however, that while caustic salves can kill skin tags over time, they may leave discoloration, scarring or infection. Since bloodroot is a toxic herb, only use it under professional supervision.
Garlic
The garlic bulb contains a storehouse of chemically active compounds, including the enzyme allinase. Allinase transforms into allicin, the key source of garlic's medicinal value. It provides antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral activity that may help prevent cancerous skin tags from generating their own blood supplies, stop tumor formation and reduce the spread of tumors, according to Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutritional consultant and author of the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing." While the need exists for further scientific study, anecdotal evidence indicates that noncancerous tumors, such as skin tags, may also benefit from the topical application of garlic. Natural-Remedies-Review.com suggests taping a garlic slice directly on your skin tag before bedtime and removing it in the morning. Repeat the process for no more than three days as adverse effects, including skin irritation and burning, may occur.
Comfrey
Comfrey, a European plant, has a long history in herbal medicine. It contains the key constituent allantoin, a common ingredient in commercial ointments and salves used to treat skin problems. According to Balch, comfrey treats skin tags and common, flat and filiform warts. While recognized as safe when applied to your skin as a cream, children and pregnant and nursing women should avoid comfrey.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains terpinen and cineol, key ingredients that provide antiseptic properties herbalists use to heal burns, wounds and infections of the skin. According to Andrew Chevallier, naturopath and author of "DK Natural Health Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine," clinical trials indicate that tea tree essential oil effectively treats a wide range of skin problems, notably acne, warts and skin tags. However, do not use the oil on broken skin.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Skin Tags Best Dealt With by Medical Provider
- Natural Remedies Review: Removing Skin Tags Using Natural Home Remedies
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- "DK Natural Health Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
