Health

10 Signs You May Have An Iron Deficiency

10. Headaches and dizziness Constant headaches are experienced by a person with iron deficiency in their body as the mind will be overworked if it gets… Denis Courtney - July 13, 2016

Iron is a crucial mineral in the body for its growth and development. It is necessary for most processes to take place in the body. Iron is a key mineral for metabolism in the body and plays a vital role in the health and well-being of the body. Most of the body’s iron is found in the hemoglobin of the red blood cells (about two-thirds of the body’s iron is in hemoglobin).

One of iron’s most important roles in the body is helping the Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Low iron levels in the body mean less oxygen-carrying red blood cells are made by the body, in a process known as hematopoiesis, leading to iron-deficiency anemia.

Iron is necessary for the body’s conversion of blood sugar to energy as the oxygen transported by hemoglobin is then used in burning down these sugars. The energy released is then utilized in the body.

The production of enzymes in the body is highly dependent on iron. These enzymes which include amino acids, hormones, and neurotransmitters are necessary to enhance the production of new cells. Normal functioning of the immune system as well as cognitive functioning is also highly dependent on healthy amounts of iron in the body. For this reason alone, if the body has low levels of iron, normal hemoglobin production slows down translating to low supply of oxygen necessary for the proper functioning of vital organs needed for survival.

Iron can be lost from the body in a variety of ways including urination, sweating, defecation, and exfoliation of old dead skin cells. Bleeding is, however, the biggest contributor to the loss of iron from the body. This especially affects women during menstruation and childbirth. This is why women are commonly encouraged to eat as many iron-rich foods as possible. Expectant women are usually encouraged to consume iron-rich food that is more than their normal consumption and are required to take at least 10-20 mg of iron per day. This can be attributed to the fact that the growing fetus is in need of a constant supply of iron as it requires it to build its own iron reserve and this it does by absorbing those present in the mother’s body

There are two types of iron: haem and non-haem iron.

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Haem Iron is found in foods that are animal-based, such as red meat, poultry, and fish. This type of iron is easily absorbed by the body, and hence foods having haem iron are considered the best sources for increasing and maintaining healthy iron levels in the body.

Non-Haem Iron, on the other hand, is found in foods that are plant-based, such as cereals, vegetables, and legumes. Although this type of iron is available in larger quantities in our diet compared to haem iron (around 65% of the body’s iron requirements is obtained from non-haem iron), it is not easily absorbed by the body.

Iron-rich foods which you should always remember to take in healthy servings to ensure you have adequate amounts of iron in the body include liver, chicken breast, oysters, lean beef, bran flakes, canned chickpeas, spinach and macadamia nuts. You should, however, be cautious when taking liver as an iron supplement when expectant as it is very rich in vitamin A which can be dangerous to the growing fetus. You should, therefore, try as much as possible to combine it with other foods or drinks rich in vitamin C such as oranges, kiwi fruits, tomatoes, lentils, turnips and strawberries for effective absorption of the iron.

Some foods that we eat reduce our bodies’ ability to absorb iron. Drinking caffeine (in coffee and tea) with meals can reduce iron absorption by 50% – 60%. Phosphate found in cold drinks and phytates found in some grains also affect iron absorption. Such foods should be avoided especially by those whose diet is low in iron.

The iron needed each day by a person depends on their age, gender, and general health. Infants and babies require more iron than adults since their bodies are growing quickly. Women need more iron than men to replace the iron lost through bleeding during menstruation and childbirth.

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1. Extreme exhaustion and fatigue

Extreme exhaustion and fatigue are one common signs that you have low levels of iron in your system. Fatigue normally occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to all the body parts. This is because red blood cells have less hemoglobin than normal, hence experiencing difficulty in circulating oxygen to all the cells. Less oxygen transported to all the body parts means the body is essentially suffocating from within. If less oxygen reaches the body tissues, the body is deprived of the energy that it needs, leading to a constant tired feeling. Insufficient amounts of iron will leave you sluggish, weak and unable to focus on your daily tasks. Tasks that were easily done before, such as working out, suddenly become hard work.

This symptom is the most difficult one to detect, as it is difficult to attribute it to low levels of iron. Unless you consult a physician, you may be looking at all the wrong places for a solution to your problem. Most people are used to having fast-paced lives and dismiss their fatigue and dizziness as normal tiredness and a part of their life. This, however, may be a case of low iron levels in their body and not just a normal tired feeling.

In as much as fatigue can be a sign of many other conditions, you should consider having your body’s iron levels checked if it does not go away with adequate rest, especially if you also feel weak, unable to focus, and irritable. Constant fatigue and lack of energy to perform even the mundane tasks in life is a red flag for low iron levels in the body. This is why people whose iron deficiency eventually progresses to anemia are said to have “tired blood.”

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Another symptom is frequent infections where a person falls sick more often than is normal. As mentioned above, iron is necessary for a strong immune system, and therefore low levels of this mineral will weaken your body’s immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections. You may end up falling sick every other time and get serious infections that your body would normally fight off if your immune system were functioning normally.

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Insufficient amounts of iron in the body mean that the red blood cells will be unable to carry oxygen (or will carry insufficient amounts of it) to the spleen, which is one of the body organs where infections can be fought off. This means that the body’s immune system will be weakened, leading to more frequent infections.

Low iron levels lead to less oxygen being carried to the lymph nodes, which house white blood cells that protect the body from any infections and diseases. Iron deficiency also causes the low production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections. A low white blood cell count means the body is susceptible to infections. The body usually needs enough white blood cells to protect itself from diseases and infections, therefore enough iron is needed in the diet for the production of sufficient white blood cells, enough to ward off any infection.

Therefore, if you fall sick often, and especially if you are always suffering from respiratory illnesses, you need to see a physician as iron deficiency may be the cause of that. People rarely associate a weak immune system, and hence frequent illnesses and infections, with low iron levels in the body. Eating an iron-rich diet takes care of that problem and ensures your body’s immune system is functioning optimally and well-primed to fight off any infection that may occur.

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3. Pale skin

Hemoglobin usually gives the skin a rosy color and healthy glow, hence low levels of hemoglobin cause the skin to become pale. The paleness can be localized (involving one limb or body part only) or generalized (all over the body.)

Iron is an essential element for the production of blood in the body. Most of the body’s iron is found in the red blood cells, hence less iron means less red blood cells are produced. This leads to the paleness of the skin.

When red blood cells have low iron levels, they usually become smaller and paler in the center, hence the skin also becomes paler. This affects all skin tones, though it is easier to detect in people with lighter complexions. Despite the color of your skin, if the area inside your bottom eyelid or your fingernails seems lighter than normal then that could be a sign of iron deficiency in your body.

Since iron, mostly found in hemoglobin, helps in the transport of oxygen from the lungs to all the body parts, an iron deficiency means less oxygen is transported all over the body, resulting in pale skin.

Skin paleness is considered an emergency when it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fainting, fever, abdominal pain and bleeding from the rectum. If these symptoms occur, then one should visit a doctor immediately. Pale skin on its own should not be ignored, as it may be a sign of anemia due to low iron levels, hence low blood levels, in the body. One should consume iron-rich foods such as spinach, and if the paleness does not go away, they should consult a doctor, as it could be a precursor to more serious problems in the body. Paleness accompanied by fatigue and mild shortness of breath are indicators of an iron deficiency in the body.

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4. Restless Legs Syndrome

People suffering from lack of enough iron will often have what is known as Restless Leg Syndrome where they will experience a strong urge to move their legs, to alleviate unpleasant sensations. This urge will often come with an unpleasant crawling sensation in their legs which can make it hard for them to sleep. The sensations range from mild to unbearable and can be relieved by moving or rubbing the legs. People suffering from the Restless Legs Syndrome can experience the symptoms every day or occasionally, and may have problems sitting down for long periods of time.

The Restless Legs Syndrome occurs when the legs are at rest, and is characteristically most severe in the evenings and nights, disrupting a person’s sleep. The uncomfortable and crawling sensations are felt in the legs when one is sitting or lying down. People who have experienced this describe the feeling as tingling, burning, crawling and throbbing. This feeling may also be experienced in other parts of the body such as the head and arms.

Research shows that the Restless Legs Syndrome is related to a dysfunction in the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which helps the brain to control muscle movement. A part of the brain called the basal ganglia uses dopamine to control the body’s muscle activity and movement. Dopamine is the messenger between the brain and the body’s nervous system that helps the brain regulate and coordinate movement. Iron, found in red blood cells, is involved in the production of dopamine. An iron deficiency will lead to poor dopamine production in the body, and this is linked to the Restless Legs Syndrome. Low amounts of dopamine in the brain causes muscle spasms and involuntary movements, such as Restless Legs Syndrome.

Dopamine levels naturally reduce towards the evening, which explains why the Restless Legs Syndrome is most severe in the evening and at night.

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5. Swollen tongue

A swollen tongue is a condition where the whole tongue, or a part of it, is bloated, enlarged or distended. It is another symptom of iron deficiency as the lack of oxygen will cause the muscles to enlarge and become painful. Other muscles in the body will also be affected, but the most prominent is the tongue. Cracks that are on the sides of the mouth may also be indicators of low iron levels in the blood.

People with an iron deficiency may have a tongue that is inflamed, sore and swollen. It appears pale and smooth due to the low levels of hemoglobin in the blood (due to low iron levels) and the loss of the finger-like projections found on the surface of the tongue. This leads to problems with speaking, chewing and swallowing.

During the early stages of iron deficiency, symptoms such as a swollen tongue may not be visible. However, as the deficiency progresses, the swollen tongue and other symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, headaches, fainting, brittle nails, coldness in the hands and feet, shortness of breath, and pale skin become more pronounced. A person ends up having difficulties when eating food as chewing and swallowing the food becomes painful and difficult. Holding a conversation becomes a problem as talking is also painful with a swollen tongue.

A swollen tongue due to an iron deficiency is best treated using iron supplements which increase the amounts of iron in the blood, hence the bone marrow is able to make more red blood cells. The iron supplements are obtainable in oral, liquid and injection forms. For a person with a swollen tongue, liquid supplements are best taken using a straw. Intravenous ones are suitable for patients whose tongues are so swollen that they cannot swallow anything at all, including liquids.

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6. Pica

You may have seen people who are constantly craving non-food substances such as clay, dirt or chalk to chew on. This is a condition known as pica. The craving and eating of non-food substances must have lasted for at least one month to fit the diagnosis of pica. This is usually a result of the low levels of iron in their bodies, hence they are forced to opt for these substances to sate the cravings. Pica is common among children and expectant women. This can be harmful since it can interfere with the absorption of iron from other foods. The exact cause of pica is not clearly known, but it is highly associated with iron deficiency anemia. However, when associated with iron deficiency, physicians see it as an effect rather than a cause. Pica, therefore, shows underlying problems such as low iron levels in the blood.

There is no single medical test for pica. Since it can occur in poor with poor nutrition, doctors can test the blood levels of iron or zinc of someone who habitually craves and eats substances such as chalk or dirt. They can also do blood tests to check for anemia, since low iron levels in the blood, which are thought to trigger pica, result in anemia.

Pica may lead to significant health risks that may require medical intervention. Patients are susceptible to metabolic and electrolyte metabolic, mercury and lead poisoning, hypokalemia, tooth wear, parasitic infections, intestinal obstruction, various problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment of pica should first address the issue of missing nutrients in the patient, such as iron deficiency. The majority of the cases of pica usually disappear upon iron supplementation. People suffering from pica can also be given medicines to help reduce it if the abnormal eating behavior is due to a developmental disorder.

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7. Dwindling hair lines

Dwindling hair lines and hair loss can be attributed to many things such as aging or unhealthy hair care. This is not so especially if you are losing lots of hair at an alarming rate. Extreme cases of low levels of iron will lead to anemia and because of this, low levels of oxygen to the hair follicles will be experienced as they will go into a resting stage forcing the hair to fall out and they will not grow back unless the anemia has been dealt with.

When the iron deficiency in the body progresses into full-blown iron deficiency anemia, it can cause hair loss. The body usually goes into survival mode since there is less oxygen transported by hemoglobin to all the body parts. Hemoglobin transports oxygen that is required for the growth and repair of body cells, including the cells that make up the hair follicles. The body channels the available oxygen to support essential functions other than non-vital ones like keeping the hair intact.

Temporary hair loss, such as hair loss due to iron deficiency, is known as telogen effluvium. This is an abnormality that causes the hair that would normally be in the growing phase to be prematurely pushed to the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. This leads to the affected hairs falling out. This is usually temporary if the underlying cause is promptly addressed. Hair growth is usually one of the body processes to be affected by iron deficiency since hair is a non-essential body part.

Hair loss can be due to other problems, and it is considered normal to lose up to 100 strands of hair per day. However, if the hair loss is excessive and the hair is not growing back, it may be a sign of iron deficiency. If you are experiencing serious hair loss, it would be advisable to consult your doctor for iron supplements or for help on how to eat a more iron-rich diet.

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8. Shortness of breath

You will easily experience breathlessness no matter how deep you breathe when suffering from insufficient iron in the body. This is because despite breathing deeply, there are inadequate vessels (hemoglobin) to help carry the much-needed oxygen to all the vital organs for survival. During this time, simple tasks such as climbing a flight of stairs, exercising or even going on a short walk will be difficult for you to accomplish. This should however not be confused with asthma which is a totally different respiratory disease which needs immediate medical attention just like anemia.

Iron is used in the production of the red blood cells in the body, which are used to store and carry oxygen in the blood. Less iron in the body means less red blood cells are produced, hence the body’s tissues and cells will not get as much oxygen as is required. This leads to shortness of breath, among other iron deficiency symptoms.

The iron deficiency that may result in shortness of breath in a person may be due to an increased demand for iron in the body, such as during rapid periods of growth (especially in children), heavy menstruation, excessive bleeding, pregnancy, and surgeries. It can also be due to the decreased intake or absorption of iron in the body, such as eating diets that do not have enough iron-rich foods or foods that interfere with the absorption of iron such as coffee and tea.

A person who experiences shortness of breath, especially when doing mundane and normal day-to-day tasks that they used to do easily should see a doctor to have their iron levels tested. If iron deficiency is found to be the cause, they can be advised on the foods to eat in order to increase iron in their blood, hence improving oxygen circulation in the body and hence stopping the breathing problem.

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9. Heart palpitations

Increased heartbeats will also be experienced due to insufficient amounts of oxygen to the heart. The increased pounding is due to the fact that the heart is being overworked as it is forced to make do with the small amounts of oxygen present in the body. An overworked heart can lead to irregular heartbeats, enlargement, heart murmurs, and in worst cases heart failure which normally happens if you have been battling anemia for a very long time.

Iron in the red blood cells helps in the circulation of oxygen to all the body parts and helps regulate cell growth. The center of a red blood cell is made up of hemoglobin, which is an iron-rich protein. As the blood moves through the lungs, oxygen molecules normally attach themselves to the iron component of hemoglobin. When the blood leaves the lungs, it then releases oxygen to all the body cells and tissues and removes any carbon dioxide. If the blood does not have enough iron to create hemoglobin, the new red blood cells produced will be unhealthy and unable to pick up and deliver oxygen properly.

When the red blood cells are unhealthy and cannot adequately bind oxygen, the body cells and tissues become starved of oxygen. This results in the heart pumping much harder than normal to send out more red blood cells for oxygen transport, to make up for the missing oxygen in the cells and tissues. This pressure and stress on the heart result in heart palpitations and abnormal heartbeats. However, no matter how hard the heart beats, without enough healthy red blood cells, the body tissues will still lack oxygen.

Anyone that usually has heart problems and experiences heart palpitations and irregular heartbeats should have their iron levels checked since iron deficiency can worsen the existing heart problems.

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10. Headaches and dizziness

Constant headaches are experienced by a person with iron deficiency in their body as the mind will be overworked if it gets an irregular supply of oxygen. This is because your mind is responsible for every action that you wish to undertake and for it to work effectively it should have a regular supply of energy in the form of oxygen. If the brain does not get this oxygen, the arteries will be swollen making you experience those painful headaches.

A body that is iron-deficient will usually prioritize getting oxygen to the brain before any other tissue since the brain is among the most essential body parts. Blood that has low amounts of iron means it has less red blood cells and hemoglobin, hence lowering the amount of blood that reaches the brain. When oxygen reaching the brain is less than what is required, this can cause swelling of the arteries in the brain, leading to headaches.

A person diagnosed with anemia (an iron deficiency disease) will note that their dizziness began with the start of other anemia symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath and hair loss. Hemoglobin that is in the red blood cells carries oxygen from the lungs to all body cells and tissues. When the level of hemoglobin is low due to low amounts of iron in the blood, the body is deprived of oxygen. Shortage of oxygen in the brain or low blood pressure due to poor oxygenation of the heart’s muscles and blood vessels can lead to dizziness.

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Dizziness and headaches due to iron deficiency are treated indirectly. The doctor, after evaluation and blood tests, addresses the underlying cause of the low iron levels. Supplements may be recommended and for patients undergoing chemotherapy, drugs that help stimulate the production of red blood cells in the blood are administered.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a qualified doctor to measure your iron levels. If iron deficiency is perceived to be the cause of any of the above, the doctor can then recommend supplements or foods that will increase the iron levels in the blood. Iron deficiency, if not checked, can result in anemia, hence we should do what we can to ensure that the iron in our blood is at acceptable levels.

Vegetarians especially need to check their diet to ensure it is high in iron-rich foods since red meat is the body’s main source of iron. Women who experience a heavy menstrual flow need to talk to their doctor since they may be at risk of anemia. This also applies to expectant women, since they require iron not only for themselves but also for the growing fetus. A doctor may recommend iron supplements for expectant women.

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Health

10 Effective Home Remedies to Get Rid of Skin Tags

Skin tags may be understood as minute lumps that are mostly found on the eyelids, along the neck folds and on the underside of the arms.… Denis Courtney - July 5, 2016

Skin tags may be understood as minute lumps that are mostly found on the eyelids, along the neck folds and on the underside of the arms. Luckily, skin tags are completely harmless, therefore they do not threaten your health. Despite their harmless nature, skin tags can be unpleasant to look at. However harmless they may be, they take away someone’s comfort as he or she will feel irritated by the fact they have an unpleasant skin tag on their body. This in turn leads them to try to scratch it off all the time.

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This may, for example, may require you to avoid sleeveless tops if you have one of these growths on the underside of your arm because you are conscious of your appearance. Doing this clearly shows that one’s comfort is being compromised. Skin tags can be very small, but may get uncomfortable over the course of time. If they appear in certain places, getting hurt becomes easy and may even lead to bleeding if clothing or jewelry catches them.

Skin tags can be diagnosed for you by your doctor. Even though skin tags are presumed to be harmless, they may need medical attention as one might be suffering from other internal medical conditions. The doctor will also conduct careful assessment in order to determine whether or not there are more serious problems of the skin. For you to be examined carefully, you need to seek medical attention from a skin specialist. It may sometimes require a biopsy test to ascertain that they do not pose any malignancy. A treatment strategy will be recommended depending on whether or not the skin tags are a result of a serious condition.

If it is simply a case of skin tags, we have some easy remedies to try at home that can get rid of these irritating growths. These home remedies are natural, and it’s easy to make the concoction. They are also inexpensive and do not have any side effects on the person using it. Many of these remedies are made from the remains of certain fruits like banana sap, and they do not only serve one purpose as they can also be eaten and their reputation is impressive. If you want the most effective tips to remove skin tags, here are some of the world’s top ten amazing skin tag removal strategies.

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1. Tea Tree Oil

Many skin ailments can be treated using tea tree oil. As they say, trees are the best natural source of medicines. Ancient people used tree bark and other parts of the tree to treat themselves, plus they heal faster compared to the rate of healing that one may go through when using modern-day medicine. Oily skin is one of those conditions tree bark treats. That is why teenagers are the largest market for tea tree oil as they undergo their body’s hormonal changes. When this begins to happen, they tend to get various issues on their skin.

Tea tree oil has a pleasant smell and so one does not need to use any other oil to mix with it. This remedy can be used to get rid of skin tags. The procedure of using tea tree oil is very simple as you are required to just dip a ball of cotton in tea tree oil, and using circular movements gently rub the cotton ball over the skin tag. For best results, repeat this procedure two times a day. You can also use it as your oil during this period, thus avoiding it being mixed with other artificial chemicals from the other products that you are likely to use.

After the skin tag has disappeared, continue using tea tree oil, because it helps prevent any noticeable scars where the tag has come off. Tea tree oil is also a remover of unwanted scars on the body. In case tea tree oil is new to you, you should test its reaction on a small skin area before you apply it on the skin tag. This will help you to know if there are any negative reactions with your skin.

Mild acne can also be effectively treated using tea tree oil, just as it does with oily skin. To do this, prepare a solution of five percent concentrated tea tree oil and water. Apply this solution on your face daily. According to research, this treatment is as effective as when you use benzoyl peroxide to apply on your face; the cysts and pimples heal much quicker and any new breakouts of acne are stemmed. However, compared with tea tree oil, benzoyl peroxide irritates the skin more and may even cause sensitive skin to peel off in some places. Therefore, those suffering from acne may prefer to use tea tree oil. Also, benzoyl peroxide bleaches fabric while tea tree oil does not.

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2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is the most prescribed natural product for taking good care of one’s skin. This is a common way to treat troublesome skin tags at home. Aloe vera leaves are not difficult to access as they grow even in the dry seasons and are found all over the world. If you decide to use this remedy, you should be aware that it will work only if you use pure aloe vera extract from the real aloe vera, because there are other plants that resemble the aloe vera plant.

Other products that have aloe vera as an added component, such as lotions, will not work as quickly as one might want and others will simply not work at all, because the procedure that was used to come up with the end product might have tampered with the properties that are important in the aloe vera plant.

Pure aloe vera can be readily obtained from your grocer or at any pharmacy. It is advisable to take pure aloe vera that has already been made for you as the product does not have a very pleasant smell. Apply the pure aloe vera extract on the skin tag two times every day. It is advisable to apply it 30 to 45 minutes before you bathe in order to get your skin pores open and breathing again and to make the aloe vera that has already penetrated into your skin to work effectively. You should see skin tags disappearing within two weeks because aloe vera contains acids that work very effectively.

Pure aloe vera can also be used to soothe and reduce the appearance of rosacea on the skin. The extract seeps into the skin and gets rid of any irritation, as well as red pigmentation, which is a common sign of rosacea. Reduced rosacea and clear skin are some of the effects of using aloe vera regularly. As a result, one gets rid of both the skin tag and the red pigmentation on the skin effectively within two weeks.

Aloe vera can be applied on the face to help clear skin discoloration. If you try using it under your eyes, you need to be very careful due to the sensitive and delicate area. Aloe vera can also be used as a topical treatment to address all types of annoyance, irritations or itching on the skin. This is precisely why one needs to use aloe vera juice in its nature.

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3. Pineapple Juice

Even though pineapple juice is known mainly as a sweet and tasty drink to most people, it was discovered that it may also be a surprising skin tag home treatment technique as well. Pineapple juice is a natural source of nutrition and it does not need any additives or sweeteners to be palatable. Also, pineapple juice naturally contains an acid that can efficiently get rid of skin tag growth within a short period of time. Manufacturers of skin products have used pineapple as one of their ingredients as they know the advantages that come with it. However, in order to get rid of skin tags as fast as possible, he or she needs to use pineapple juice in its natural form.

The procedure for applying pineapple juice on your skin is the same as the one used in aloe vera. You simply apply a small quantity of the juice on the skin tag two times daily. This can be applied about 15 minutes before you bathe. You should keep in mind that the juice needs to seep into the skin in order for the procedure to be effective, therefore you need to be careful not to wash it off before the required time is reached.

However, if one does not wash it off during bathing, he or she is likely to suffer from some discomfort, because the sugars in the pineapple juice can clog the pores on the skin’s surface when dry, making the skin feel rather stiff and uncomfortable. When you are serious about consistently using this remedy for one or two weeks, the method should work and your skin tags should be gone.

The juice also contains anti-inflammatory properties and will free your skin from bacteria, therefore, preventing one from getting skin problems stemming from bacteria. Parents are also advised to use this procedure before bathing their infant that has skin tags on the forehead and other parts of the body due to allergic reactions caused by the new environment that they are in. These properties are mainly due to the fact that pineapple juice is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C which are known to fight diseases and protect the skin by the reduction of hormones that trigger the production of skin tags on the skin.

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4. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a product that is extracted from the lemon fruit. Lemon juice also contains natural acid that works similarly to how pineapple juice works to remove skin tags. One can apply lemon juice on the skin area that is affected by the skin tag two times a day. Apply the juice on your skin and let it seep in for a period of time. Lemon juice is also a very bitter product and should not be used where the skin is cut as is itchy.

Lemon juice may be readily available in your home and you could try it out immediately. You need to clean the fruit by rinsing it in clean water before you cut it so as to remove the bacteria on its surface. When preparing the juice, you can also use the peels as they are also effective in removing skin tags. If you use this home remedy regularly you will see the skin tag disappear within two weeks.

This remedy is preferred by some people over pineapple juice because it appears to have faster effects as its acidic content is higher than the pineapple. However, if you have sensitive skin, lemon juice may be more irritating to you, it might also lead to one getting other complications due to its high levels of acids. You can test the acidity of the juice by applying it on a small area of your skin to see how your skin reacts to it. People with wounds and scars from surgery are not advised to use it on the scar as it may cause irritation and might make you scratch the area, leading to even more complications.

Acne can also be treated using lemon juice. If the smell of tea tree oil is not pleasant to you, this can be a better alternative to get rid of skin tags. Lemon juice can aid to treat acne and stem breakouts from happening in future due to the effective antibacterial properties found in the juice. For several minutes at a time, directly apply the lemon juice to blackheads. This home remedy will greatly reduce the size of blackheads and lower their number. This may also help boost your confidence on how you feel about your complexion.

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5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is mostly used as a food additive to make the food taste better. Apple cider vinegar is high in acidic content, this is one of the reasons why it is used for removal of skin tags. Just like lemon and pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar will aid in naturally getting rid of skin tags. The only difference is that apple cider vinegar is not as fast-acting as pineapple and lemon juices. This is due to the reason that it has a lower acidic content than lemon and pineapple juice. It is, however, the best when using it on a baby as it will not react with the baby’s skin, and if it gets to an opening in the skin, it will not hurt like lemon juice or pineapple juice.

The procedure for doing it is just the same as the others. You simply soak a cotton swab in apple cider vinegar and apply it on the skin tag two times daily. Within a month, the skin tag should have gone away. Medical experts advise the users that all treatments that contain acid should not be used near the eyes. If the skin tag is near the eyes, then the best thing to do is to seek medical attention so as to avoid blindness or eye complications. It is also advisable to wear a protective glove on your hand before you apply the products on your skin, and you should also rinse your skin afterward.

You may opt to use apple cider vinegar after you noticed that using lemon and pineapple juice in the past has not been as effective in the removal of the skin tag as you hoped, or if your skin is sensitive to the other juices. This is because lemon and pineapple juices are naturally more acidic. Remedies that have a high acid content should not be used on people with sensitive skin.

Before you carry out any home remedy for skin tags, you should first of all test how your skin responds to the treatment by applying a small quantity on a small area of your skin. You can also seek medical advice from experts that will run tests on your skin first before they resort to giving you advice on the best product to use on your skin. However, if your skin is not sensitive to pineapple juice, aloe vera or lemon juice, to heal faster and reduce wasting time on the treatment, you should consider using them first.

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6. Aspirin

Aspirin is a medical drug that is used for pain reduction in all body parts. Aspirin is a common feature for most people in their medicine cabinet. This is because of its healing power and it can also be used in relieving pain in the body without having many side effects. It was also discovered that aspirins can be used to prepare a good home treatment for skin tags. Many practitioners of alternative health methods believe that it has a greater effect than common treatments for skin tags, such as the other natural products we’ve mentioned. Aspirin contains an active component called salicylic acid; this product was originally obtained from the willow tree’s bark and has been known to be a potent painkiller with anti-inflammatory properties that have been used for more than two thousand years.

Before aspirin was refined into its end product that is being used today, people could use the product from the tree to cure themselves within seconds. Salicylic acid was also used to heal scars and cure skin tags which could only take a few days as compared to the other natural homemade products.

For optimum benefits from aspirin in treating bothersome skin tags, the simple procedure is to drop an aspirin in a quarter cup of water, and wait for the aspirin to dissolve. Dip a swab of cotton in this mixture, apply over the skin tag and use a band-aid to cover the area for some time.

You need to be careful that none of the solution is removed when you apply the band-aid. Failure to take this precaution will lead to the treatment being ineffective, hence requiring one to re-do the procedure. Otherwise, if you correctly apply the mixture on your skin, it will seep into your skin, and gradually the skin tag will begin to recede.

Remember, this treatment will work only if you use actual aspirin. This requires one to be extra careful when choosing the product in order to ensure it is the correct product and its expiration date has not expired. Failure to take these precautions may lead to the worsening of the condition of the skin.

Don’t substitute it with other drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as their contents are more than the required amount and will damage your skin. You should keep the remaining products out of reach for the children. If you wish to re-use it, you should store it in a cool dry place with a lead to close it.

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7. Baking Soda

This is a common item for many home remedies, therefore it is not surprising that it can also be used in the treatment of skin tags. Baking soda is commonly used for baking, but in this scenario, it can be used as a home treatment remedy for skin tags. Baking soda makes a very good treatment when mixed with castor oil. Both are easily accessible as they are products that are used in our foods daily and are highly recommended due to their acidic concentrations.

For this treatment, prepare a paste that is thick using the two items, ensuring that you mix them completely. Be sure to use enough baking soda and castor oil so you can have enough for your particular use. In case you cannot obtain castor oil, water can be an alternative, even though the use of water will not make the paste work as effectively, because when the paste dries on the skin it is likely to flake off when you move that area, or when something rubs up against it. Mix the components well then apply the treatment to the skin tag directly. It is not irritating, so the product may also be used on a baby’s skin.

Make sure you cover the affected area with a suitable material such as a bandage and leave it for the whole night. You should also check it frequently to ensure that the bandage is still on the area, because if it is removed you will need to apply another paste to ensure that it works. Clean the skin using some warm water in the morning, and repeat this treatment until you see no more of the skin tag.

Within two weeks, the tag should have completely disappeared, but within the first seven days, you will start noticing some changes. This is because the skin adopts this new product in the body overnight and it changes depending on the product. In this case, the paste changes the skin to softer skin with no skin tag on it. Within these days, expect to see a withering of the stalk that attaches the skin tag to your skin, as well as a shrinking in the size of the skin tag. The procedure should also be used when one needs his or her skin to soften up. Even though it needs extra care, it is also very beneficial to your skin.

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8. Vitamin E Oil

For best results, try using pure vitamin E oil and not any products that have the oil just as an active component. Vitamin E is known for triggering hormones that maintain skin growth and aids in the removal of unwanted substances on the skin. After obtaining the pure oil, apply it on the skin tag two times daily. This can be done after bathing or before, because it is gently massaged into the skin to allow the oil to penetrate. This home remedy is more effective than the treatments using apple cider vinegar and the acidic juices discussed above since the skin tag disappears within about ten days. Vitamin E oil also does not cause any itchiness on the skin as it does not have a high concentration of acids.

Sometimes, however, skin tags might be incredibly persistent and a few months down the line, they will grow again in the same place. It is for this reason that one needs to continue using the remedies on a regular basis. Plus, once the previously mentioned remedies have been used, you have to dispose of them and make a new mixture each day.

However, vitamin E oil does not expire immediately so it reduces the cost that one has to endure in order to make a new remedy. If the skin tag grows back, the original treatment will need to be repeated. However, one can also use a different natural remedy than they used previously in order to see if the skin tag disappears and does not return.

Remember, if home remedies for skin tags are your choice, ensure that your doctor examines the area to ascertain whether it is just a normal skin tag or not. It is important to do this, especially if skin tags are new to you. This is because you might not be aware of the development of a more serious issue in your body that has just shown its initial sign by surfacing through a skin tag on your body.

After there has been a thorough examination of your body by your doctor, you need to choose the best option for you. It is advisable to employ caution even if most skin cancer types do not resemble skin tags. You should carefully and gently clean your skin tag if it bleeds to keep infections at bay. Also, visit your doctor in the event you require antibiotics.

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9. Potato

Potatoes are mostly used for preparing foods and snacks; it is one of the natural products that people use to prepare their favorite foods like fried and mashed potatoes. This product can also be used for healing your skin of skin tags. While you may be baffled how a skin tag could be removed using potato, it is in fact a popular home remedy for various skin conditions like rashes and itchy skin. The reputation of the potato is impressive, though it is still a mystery what makes the potato an effective remedy, it is easily accessible and cheap to acquire. For one to make a product that will take away skin tags, they only need one average-sized potato.

From a white potato, which is preferred to other types of potatoes, obtain a thin slice and place it on the skin growth. You can use something to hold the potato slice firmly in place, such as a bandage. This should stay on for several hours in order to allow its oxidizing characteristic to work, plus the fact that the potato is semipermeable, the fluids in the potato are transferred into the skin over time. Remove the slice of potato after it gets dry.

With this in mind, one should avoid placing any strange things on the skin because the skin can absorb the fluids from the product. If the product has dangerous components to it, it might lead to skin complications. One should take great care of the skin as it is the largest organ of the body, and it is one of the organs that allow the body to breathe. It also has nerves that sense the different activities around your body, and so if it becomes damaged, it may not only lead to one getting a skin tag infection, but it also may impair the overall functioning of the skin.

For one to get effective results from the potato method, he or she should repeat this treatment daily. After about a week or so, the skin tag will be gone.

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It is important to note that after using the potato once, you need to dispose of the remaining portion of the potato. You are not to use it again, because any potato that has already been peeled prior to the application should not be used, due to the fact that when the white part has been exposed to the air, it loses its effectiveness. If one wishes to use the portion of the peeled potato that was not used earlier, he or she could prepare the remaining portion as food, or it could be preserved carefully by covering it with bread. But if you see any discoloration on the peeled potato, do not use it; peel a fresh potato instead.

The use of potato to remove skin tags is one of the more effective methods that do not leave the skin with an uncomfortable feeling. Plus it seldom has any adverse effects on the skin.

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10. Banana Peel

It is easy to access banana peels. Ordinarily, before one discovers the importance of banana peels, he or she tends to see it as garbage and immediately after eating the Banana, it is thrown in the trash. Banana peels contain potassium and other important mineral components which work well to clear skin tags. The two acidic components are good in clearing many skin issues; this is why many skin drugs contain these two components.

Instead of wasting money on buying drugs or other products, they should consider the use of raw banana peels. To use this remedy, cut off a small part of a banana peel, secure the inside part of the peel to the skin tag with a bandage and leave it on for the night. You will need to maintain extra care and try to avoid unnecessary movements that might shift the banana peel off the skin tag. In the morning, wipe the skin in a gentle manner. Repeat the procedure daily and within two weeks, the skin tag will have disappeared.

It is not necessary to only do the procedure overnight. You can do it during the day if you prefer, but you may feel uncomfortable with the smell that comes from the banana peel over time. On the other hand, the skin picks up new products more efficiently during the night while one is resting. But, the downside of doing the remedy at night is the possibility of the banana peel coming off during the night and soiling your sheets. If you do the remedy at night, you will need to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and ensure that your beddings are exposed to sunlight frequently.

After you take off the bandage, ensure that you rinse your skin with warm water only; do not use scented products. Apply oil on your skin after five minutes; the oil should have fewer chemicals, as this might affect the working of the product from the banana peel.

Seek the services of a dermatologist if your skin tag continues to be stubborn. The dermatologist can remove the skin tag using an ointment to dry the growth, or using dry ice. The doctor might even recommend using laser to get rid of the skin tag. The skin tag can be eliminated in just a single visit to the doctor using some of these simple and popular techniques. However, the procedures can be rather expensive, therefore many people prefer to explore other options, such as the home remedies mentioned in this article before consulting the doctor.