Skin tags: causes and treatments

Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small brown or darker-than-skin tone growths on the surface of the skin. Tags are very common and harmless growths and tend to occur on the neck, under the breasts, armpits, eyelids and folds of the groin. They generally take place after midlife. About 25% of people report having skin tags after they cross the age of 50.

What causes skin tags to occur?

Skin tags are very common among diabetics and obese individuals. Pregnant women also develop skin tags, as a consequence of changes in the body's hormonal levels. Skin tags tend to occur when your skin rubs against clothing or skin. They are normally caused by blood vessels and collagen that gets trapped inside the thicker portions of the skin. For this reason, they are typically found in folds and creases of the skin. Sometimes, they reduce on their own if blood supply to the tissue has been disrupted due to them getting twisted.

What procedures are involved in their treatment?

Skin tags are generally removed for purely cosmetic reasons but when they do become troublesome, as in, they rub against jewelry, skin or clothing, doctors recommend their removal as the area can end up becoming irritated.

The following procedures are performed to remove these annoying growths on skin:

1. Excision - in this procedure the skin tag gets removed using a scalpel.

2. Ligation - the procedure involves the cutting off of blood supply to the skin tag.

3. Cauterization - the procedure involves the burning off the skin tag using electrolysis (process that involves decomposition of a matter by electric current)

4. Cryosurgery - in this procedure, the skin tag is frozen before removing it. An instrument containing liquid nitrogen is used to do the removal.

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Related Tip: How does salt help in clearing skin?

Why are SKIN TAGs so annoying?

How Homeopathy Addresses All Kinds of SKIN Allergies?

Skin allergens such as immune system disorders, medicines, food, and infections can trigger an immune system response that characterizes in the form of a skin allergy. Although skin allergies such as bumps, itchy rashes, red patches and other conditions are commonly seen, identifying their cause isn't as straightforward sometimes.

Homeopathy identifies and treats the root cause of the allergy with oral medication instead of superficial medicines such as topical creams and treatments. To treat a skin allergy or problem, homeopathy keeps in mind the sufferer, not just the allergy or skin.

Common skin allergies can be effectively treated with suitable homeopathic treatments as listed below.

Eczema
Also known as dermatitis, it affects children more than adults. Characterized by the red, itchy and irritated skin, an infection may cause the development of fluid oozing bumps. Eczema of the scalp affecting children can be treated with Calcarea Carb whereas Rhus-Tox (Toxicodendron) is used to treat red, itchy and swollen eruptions caused by eczema.

Urticaria
Better known as hives, this condition is caused by the inflammation of the skin due to leakage of blood vessels. Those who suffer from itchy, swollen bumps or thickened skin as in the case of chronic urticaria, can be treated with Arsenicum. Hives with heavy menstruation may be treated with Belladona, while Urtica urens is better suited to hives of gastric origin.

Psoriasis
It is characterized by red, itchy patches of skin covered with silvery scales. Plaque, guttate and pustular psoriasis are differentiated on the basis of location, appearance and severity. For guttate psoriasis, where the plaques are rounded and flakey, Arsenicum iodatum and Arsenicum album can be used while sulphur and graphites are also commonly prescribed.

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How Homeopathy Addresses All Kinds of SKIN Allergies?

If you are experiencing symptoms such as swelling, inflammation, thickening, yellowing and crumbling of your nails, toenail fungus or onychomycosis is indicated. This is a very common problem, which is usually painless, unless the infection gets spread. The fungus thrives under certain conditions like abnormal levels of pH in the skin, a weak immune system, poor hygiene, diabetes and a continuous exposure to moist or damp environment. If not treated properly, toenail fungus can lead to cracking, splitting or total loss of your toenail. There are various ways of treating fungal infections in the nails. Some of them are as follows:

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil contains antiseptic and antifungal properties, which help in treating toenail fungus. You need to mix some drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil and olive oil. Using a piece of cotton, apply the mixture on your affected nail, keep it for 10 minutes and scrub off the nail with a toothbrush. For ideal results, you must repeat this process more than twice regularly.

Baking Soda: Baking soda is a commonly used remedy for fungal infections in your nails. It also helps in neutralizing foot odor. Add baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and Epsom salt in hot water, add vinegar to the mixture and soak your affected nail in the solution. After this, wash your feet with water. Repeat the procedure twice a day for several weeks.

White Vinegar: This is an ideal ingredient for the treatment of toenail fungus. It helps in restoring the pH balance of the skin and fights against infections. Add one part of white vinegar to warm water and soak your affected toenail in it for about 10 minutes. After this, you must wash it off. Carry out the process twice a day for effective results.

Oil of Pregano: Oil of oregano is considered effective because of its antibacterial, antiviral, analgesic and antiseptic properties. It is an ideal way for treating fungal infections in your nails. Mix oregano oil with olive oil, apply the solution on your nails and leave it for over 30 minutes. Repeat the process thrice a day for good results.

Listerine Mouthwash: Listerine mouthwash is another important home remedy for treating fungal infections in the nails. This mouthwash contains certain compounds along with alcohol, which have very strong antiseptic properties and help in eliminating harmful fungi and bacteria from your nails.

Best Ways To Treat Fungal Infections In Nails

Home remedies for skin allergies 

Skin allergies are often indicated by redness, scaly, itchy, chapped or bumpy skin. These may occur due to a variety of factors. Usually, when an allergen or a foreign element comes in contact with skin, it triggers an immune system response leading to an allergic skin condition. Other factors may include climatic changes like heat and cold, infections, cosmetics, specific foods or even medications resulting in skin allergies. Often, mild skin allergies do not sustain for long even if these are not treated. However, to get relief from the pain and added discomfort caused by these skin allergies, these home remedies are a lot easier and safe bet.

Cool down the itch

Use typical ice packs or cold running water over the infected part to treat itching. Using a cold water cloth over infected area relieves from suffering. Do not try using hot water as it relaxes in the beginning but makes the condition worse later.

Scare the scar

Aloe vera is the best bet in almost all skin ailments due to its remarkable anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. Regular oral intake of 2-4 teaspoons of aloe vera gel or the application of its pulp on areas of dark spots or scars eradicates scars and rashes from the face and other skin areas.

Act on acne with apple cider

The best option to treat the most irritating yet much prevalent skin ailment is apple cider vinegar. Add one part of apple cider vinegar to three parts of water. Mix it well. Use cotton balls to apply this solution on acne directly and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse with water. Apply this three times a day to seek optimum results.

Coconut oil sways away eczema

First, wash your hands with utmost care. Then, pat them dry. Use your fingers to slowly rub coconut oil on the affected area. Leave it for some time to get it dry. Use it as many times as you want to get the benefits. Actually, application of this oil on the affected portion is recommended for a longer duration for best results.

Bye-bye to rashes with baking soda

Baking soda is to be applied on the rashes directly. Then, to get better results, press the skin softly and see the rashes disappear soon.

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Quickie Home Remedies for Skin Allergies

The inflammation of the kidneys as an effect of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is known as Lupus Nephritis. Like lupus, this is an autoimmune disease. Inflammation of the kidneys hinders kidney functioning by not allowing the kidneys to regulate the optimum amount and types of fluids in the body and restricts the removal of waste through urine. It can also cause the protein to leak out of the kidneys. If not managed in time, this can eventually lead to kidney failure by scarring the kidney tissue. However, this is a rare occurrence. 

On an average, 6 out of 10 lupus patients suffer from lupus nephritis. In most cases, this disease develops within the first five years of lupus symptoms making their appearance. The symptoms of this disease are mild and can vary from person to person. Very often, the first signs of lupus nephritis become visible only in lab tests as the symptoms are similar to those exhibited by other kidney diseases. 

Some of the common symptoms of this condition are: 

Swelling of the feet, ankles and calves 
High blood pressure 
Weight gain 
Frothy, dark urine 
There are five stages types of this disease and hence, the first step to treating this disease is to identify its type. For this, your doctor will begin with a thorough physical examination and understand your medical history. He or she will also ask for a few tests including urine tests, blood tests, an ultrasound and a kidney biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. 

Lupus nephritis is usually treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Medication may also be prescribed to lower blood pressure and prevent the clotting of blood. However, in some cases, this treatment may not be enough to stop the progression of the disease and some kidney function may be lost. If both kidneys fail, dialysis is the next medical step. This involves the use of a machine in place of the kidneys to filter and removes waste products from the body. This may be followed by the need for a kidney transplant. 

Since lupus patients are at a high risk of lupus nephritis, here are a few conscious lifestyle changes that can help prevent this condition:

Have a diet that is low in salt 
Avoid smoking and alcohol 
Exercise regularly 
Avoid non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs("pain killers") and unproven alternative medications that can affect the kidneys.

What Is Lupus Nephritis?

Rosacea, a common skin condition, occurs due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. This condition causes your skin to become red, and produces red, pus-filled small bumps on the skin.

Rosacea can occur in 4 forms-

Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea- related to facial redness, visible blood vessels and flushing
Papulopustular Rosacea- related to acne-like breakouts
Rhinophyma- leads to thickening of the skin on the nose
Ocular Rosacea- affects the area surrounding your eyes
Rosacea is most commonly observed in middle-aged women with fair complexion between the ages of 30-50.

What causes Rosacea?
Rosacea is often mistaken for pimple or acne, but it is more than just that. The following factors are held responsible for causing this skin condition.

Consumption of alcohol, aerated beverages
Eating spicy food
Presence of an intestinal bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori
Over exposure to sunlight
Signs that indicate you may have rosacea-

Visible, broken blood vessels
Swollen skin
Sensitivity on the skin
Burning, stinging sensation on the skin
Rough, dry, scaly skin
Raised patches/bumps on the skin
Thickening of skin on the nose, chin, cheeks and forehead
Itchy, dry eyes
Blurred vision
Watery, bloodshot eyes
How does Ayurveda help treat rosacea?
Although there is no definitive treatment for rosacea, the symptoms of each type of rosacea can be treated with Ayurvedic herbs and medicines.

Turmeric- Packed with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric powder helps cure various skin disorders. You can consume a teaspoon of turmeric powder daily to avoid skin inflammation, or you can have it mixed with your food or juice.
Beets and carrots- Beets and carrots contain iron, which is essential for smooth functioning of your skin. The deficiency of iron can cause your skin to become sallow and dry.
Ashwagandha- One of the most essential, powerful herbs packed with anti-inflammatory properties, Ashwagandha helps remove rosacea puss. In order to fetch best results, try applying or drinking extracts of this wonder herb every alternate day.
Fenugreek- Rich in essential vitamins like C and K, folic acid and iron, this medicinal plant helps remove dry red patches from the skin. Also, it prevents formation of rosacea puss and helps reduce itching.
Ayurvedic treatment is absolutely safe and free from side effects. These are the most preferred and effective ways to reduce symptoms and severity of rosacea.

Rosacea - Top Ayurvedic Remedies For Treating It! 

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