Skin tags are when there is a small tumor, or skin growth that has developed on normal skin. The skin tag is attached to the regular skin by thin, small tissues that go by the name of peduncles, or stalks. The peduncles, or stalks are usually only a few millimeters in width. The tissues can be lightly pigmented, or be the same exact colour as the normal skin surrounding them. Skin tags can be found in many areas of the body such as the eyelids, the neck, genital areas, armpits, groin, under skin folds, and beneath the breasts.

If an individual is considering skin tag removal, they should speak to their general practitioner first so they can access the skin tags. They will also be able to tell the individual what skin tags are and how they affect well being and health, or direct them to a dermatologist who can provide a proper understanding.

Known in the medical world as acrochordons, skin tags are usually non-malignant and do not create any major problems. Of course, like any skin abnormality, there is always a slim chance it might become a cancerous skin tag. If a skin tag did become cancerous, it probably would happen without any symptoms at all. Many people inquire about how to remove skin tags, and some even think they can do it themselves with a pair of scissors without repercussions. This is not the approach to take if someone wants to remove a skin tag. Some people are born with skin tags, and others develop one, or many throughout their lifetime. It is usually a genetic and hereditary type of condition. People that have a lot of body weight, fat, or who are obese tend to develop skin tags more than the average weight person. This is because they may have folds in their skin and the friction may cause the skin tag to develop.

Women, pregnant women, and older people have a higher probability of inheriting skin tags, so age and gender definitely play a role. Most individuals with skin tags tend to forget about them, or ignore that they are there. Others however, become obsessed with the idea of skin tag removal. They want to remove skin tags because they feel that they are ugly, or it reflects on them and their appearance as a whole. There are many cases where individuals with skin tags, in visible areas especially, lose their self-esteem, become isolated, and depressed. Obviously people cannot let these skin tags ruin their lives and daily activities. Some people suffer from a large amount of skin tags, therefore, skin tag removal seems like the only option. Many people have used acceptable medical procedures, but they can come with side effects, or damage. More and more individuals are turning towards natural remedies for removing skin tags. The process might take longer, but you will avoid unnecessary painful side effects.

The acceptable medical methods for skin tag removal are:

• Binding of the tissues (peduncles) so that the blood flow stops, causing them to die and fall off in weeks
• Cauterization, which is a method of burning the skin tags off (can be painful and remain irritated)
• Cryotherapy, which involves freezing of the stalk and skin tag until they fall off (can burn other parts of the skin and create lesions)
• Surgical methods by the dermatologist such as using scissors, or scapel to cut and remove skin tags
The natural safer methods for skin tag removal are:

• Combine castor oil and baking soda, and mix it until it becomes a paste. Apply it three times a day on the skin tag(s) until they dry up and fall off
• Use Dermisil topical treatment on skin tags. This topical ointment will destroy the tissues of the skin tags and will not damage any other areas of the skin
• Tie a thin string (even dental floss is used) around the base of the skin tag where the tissues are. It will cut off blood supply and the skin tag will eventually fall off
• Cover the skin tag with nail polish. The skin tag will dry out, shrink, and fall off within two to three weeks. Stay away from anal, genital or eye skin tags.
• Apply Cider Vinegar can dry out the skin tags, causing them to change colour, lose blood supply and fall off. Do not use near eye skin tags.

Copyright 2009 Skin Tag Removal