Is everyone familiar with skin tags? The condition is properly referred to Cutaneous Acrochordon, I believe. They're tiny benign growths that are primarily in areas where skin rubs against itself. Though they're usually associated with older individuals in the popular imagination, anyone can get them. Around half of the population does have them. I've heard a few Qigong experts refer to them as either the products of blockages in certain meridians or the causes of them, but I can't remember where I heard this information from and I was wondering if anyone could help me out there. Does anyone know if they are in either sense?
While I realize they're benign, they can be rather irritating. Many herbal treatments for them contain bloodroot, which can cause significant discoloration or scarring. I was curious if other home removal techniques were safe and effective, or if they should just be left alone despite irritation. Please note that I have no cosmetic wish to remove them, and this question doesn't come from vanity. Rather, I find they itch and I'm always afraid one might tear out. I've heard that sterilizing the area and then removing one with a sterilized pair of nail clippers is healthy, provided that the skin tag in question isn't in a sensitive area like the crotch. I've also heard of tying thread around one until it dies and atrophies off. Can anyone confirm or deny the safety of these methods?
I also admit that I'm a hypochondriac in the way that a psychologist would actually call someone a hypochondriac. I always worry myself by imagining that they will turn into malignancies. While I rationally realize this isn't a necessary concern, the irrationality of hypochondria is a very strong issue. I often check to ensure if they're still there, or go through other equally ridiculous rituals.
Thank you.