Skin tags are unsightly, but non dangerous growths that occur on the face and body, typically on the eyelids, upper chest and underarm area. Doctors call them acrochordons. They affect men and women equally, and it’s estimated that almost half of middle-aged or older adults have at least one.
Although they typically stop appearing after age 70 or so, the most important cause of skin tags is insulin resistance. If you notice the tags are appearing or they’re showing up with more frequency, you’re probably losing control over your blood sugar, and it’s time to treat yourself like a diabetic, using dietary strategies.
Skin tags can also be excised in the medical office, with scissors or by burning or freezing. Although if blood sugar issues aren’t corrected, they’re likely to return. As long as they’re not located in the eye area, acrochordons can be safely removed at home. Simply make a protective circular doughnut around the skin tag with a healing or antibiotic cream and dab a bit of 5% retinol gel or a 40% to 70% solution of glycolic acid on the loose skin. Do this two or three times daily and in a few days the tag will begin to darken and ultimately it will drop off
