Skin tags are small, soft growths that can appear on any part of the body. If you have recently noticed a skin tag and wondered if there is some deeper meaning behind its appearance, you’re not alone.
In short, while some believe skin tags can represent blocked energy or chakras in need of clearing, most dermatologists view them as harmless outgrowths possibly tied to friction and skin folds.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various spiritual interpretations of skin tags, common medical perspectives, as well as natural ways to remove tags if desired.
Common Spiritual Views on Skin Tags
Skin Tags as Blocked Energy and Stress
According to mindbodygreen, skin tags can represent blocked energy in the body and high stress levels. When we experience prolonged stress and tension, it can cause energy blockages that may manifest physically as skin tags.
From an energetic perspective, skin tags suggest the body is out of balance and unable to properly channel stressful emotions.
Skin tags tend to appear in friction areas like the neck, arms, and groin. These areas correspond with meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine that relate to stagnant liver energy. The liver meridian also connects to anger and irritation.
Therefore, skin tags may signal overwhelmed emotions and a need to release pent-up frustration.
Skin Tags and Chakra Imbalances
In energy healing modalities like reiki, skin tags can indicate imbalances in the body’s chakra system. The seven chakras are energy centers running along the midline of the body. Each chakra governs specific organs, emotions, and areas of life.
For example, skin tags in the throat region may reflect blockages in the throat chakra related to communication issues. Groin or genital skin tags can point to sacral chakra imbalances around intimacy, sexuality, and creativity.
By balancing the chakras through healing techniques, skin tags may start to clear up over time.
Skin Tags in Relation to Life Lessons and Emotions
From a metaphysical viewpoint, skin tags carry spiritual meaning about inner turmoil and life lessons to master. Where they show up on the body maps back to emotional sore spots and parts of yourself in need of more self-love and acceptance.
Rather than viewing skin tags as flaws, they provide enlightening feedback about inner growth areas crying out for gentleness and understanding. With radical self-compassion for the messages skin tags reflect, their appearance can mobilize positive personal transformation.
Skin Tags and Yin-Yang Energy Balance
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees health as a balance between opposing yin and yang energies. Yin represents the cooler, passive, inward energy, while yang reflects hotter, aggressive, outward energy. Both are equally important for whole-person wellbeing.
From a TCM lens, skin tags demonstrate an excess of yin in relation to yang. Treating skin tags may involve counterbalancing measures that cultivate more yang vibrations through warming foods, vigorous exercise, social connection, and stress regulation.
As yin and yang return to homeostasis, skin tags naturally resolve.
Medical Explanations for Skin Tag Development
The Role of Friction and Skin Folds
Skin tags often develop in areas where skin rubs against skin, causing friction. They frequently occur in skin folds of the neck, armpits, torso, groin and under breasts. The constant irritation and inflammation triggered by friction and sweat likely contributes to skin tag growth.
A 2021 study in the International Journal of Dermatology analyzed skin tags from 100 people. It found significantly more lymph vessels in skin tag tissue compared to normal skin. The researchers concluded that the proliferation of lymph vessels may be the body’s response to chronic mechanical friction and irritation.
This can lead to skin tag formation as lymph fluid accumulates (Liu et al., 2021).
Associations with Obesity, Diabetes and Hormones
Several studies show positive correlations between skin tags and obesity, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes. A 2015 meta-analysis in Obesity Reviews found skin tags to be associated with a substantially increased risk of metabolic diseases like diabetes (Ding et al., 2015):
| Condition | Increased Risk |
| Obesity | 73% |
| Impaired glucose tolerance | 48% |
| Diabetes | 42% |
The exact mechanisms linking skin tags to metabolic conditions are still being researched. One theory points to high insulin, IGF-1 and testosterone levels which stimulate skin cell growth. Genetic predispositions shared by diabetes and skin tags development may also play a role.
Genetic Predispositions
Studies reveal skin tags cluster in families, suggesting genetic factors underlie their development. A 2020 study in the Indian Journal of Dermatology found 62% of skin tag patients had a family history of them (Adityan et al., 2020).
Researchers identified mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene associated with multiple skin tags.
The APC gene is a known tumor suppressor. When mutated, it can trigger excessive skin cell growth. Inherited mutations may predispose people to developing benign skin tumors like skin tags. More research on genetic markers and inheritance patterns could better explain skin tag occurrence within families.
Safe, Natural Skin Tag Removal Options
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a popular natural remedy used for skin conditions. Some research shows that it may be effective at removing skin tags due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties (Healthline).
To use, dip a cotton swab in undiluted tea tree oil and gently apply to the skin tag 2-3 times per day. Results may take up to one month. However, tea tree oil can cause irritation in some people so test on a small area first.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another common household ingredient that may remove skin tags. It contains acetic acid which helps dry out and shrink the tag. Dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and squeeze out excess liquid before holding it on the tag for 10-15 minutes (Medical News Today).
Do this 1-2 times daily. You may see results in 1-2 weeks. For sensitive skin, dilute with a bit of water first.
Banana Peels
Some research indicates that rubbing banana peel on skin tags may help remove them. Bananas contain enzymes like proteases and cellulases which may help break down the extra skin tissue (Study). Gently rub the white stringy part of a peeled banana on tags for a few minutes, 1-2 times per day.
Continue for up to one month or until the tag falls off.
Freezing Skin Tags at Home
Freezing skin tags with liquid nitrogen spray or freezing kits is an easy at-home method. The extreme cold destroys the skin tag tissue, causing it to later scab off. This is safe and effective but it may take a few freezing sessions over 2-4 weeks (American Academy of Dermatology).
Use caution freezing skin tags at home and see a doctor if the area looks infected after treatment.
When to See a Doctor
While home remedies can remove skin tags, see your doctor if:
- The tag doesn’t come off after trying home treatments for 1 month
- The tag bleeds, itches, hurts, or changes color or texture
- An infection develops after removing a tag at home
- You have a compromised immune system
- The tag obstructs vision or movement
Dermatologists can safely remove skin tags using cautery, cryotherapy, surgical scissors or scalpel (American Academy of Dermatology). Some benefits of professional tag removal include reduced pain, scarring, and infection risk.
Conclusion
While perspectives differ on the deeper reasons behind skin tag development, one fact remains clear: these harmless growths can be safely dealt with at home through natural remedies.
Above all, it is most important to listen to your own intuition. Skin tags may carry spiritual symbolism for some, while for others they hold little metaphysical meaning. Take time to notice if certain tags appeared during stressful periods or life changes, and leverage that insight for self-growth if it feels meaningful to you.
