1. What is the problem?
Skin tags are benign, soft growths of skin that commonly appear in folds such as the neck, armpits, groin, and eyelids.
2. What are some common signs and symptoms?
– Small, soft growths in skin folds
– Multiple tags that may appear at the same time
– Often associated with acanthosis nigricans (darkened skin patches) and obesity
3. What is the difference between the conventional view and the functional medicine perspective?
Conventional View:
Skin tags are generally considered harmless and removed cosmetically with minor procedures.
Functional View:
Skin tags are seen as more than cosmetic—they are biomarkers of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, pointing to deeper imbalances in glucose and hormone signaling.
4. How does the condition stem from metabolic dysfunction?
Skin tags are like weeds that sprout when the soil is over-fertilized. In this case, the “fertilizer” is excess insulin. Hyperinsulinemia activates IGF-1 receptors in the skin, promoting abnormal cell growth. Insulin resistance further amplifies growth factors and vascular changes, making the skin more prone to these soft outgrowths. Skin tags frequently appear alongside obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). While skin tags themselves are harmless, they reflect the same growth-promoting signals that drive deeper metabolic risks, such as atherosclerosis and certain cancers. This makes them an important early warning sign of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
5. Is there a solution?
Yes. While cosmetic removal may address existing skin tags, the real solution is to stop new ones from forming by lowering insulin resistance. The Feel Great System is a powerful ally: Balance helps lower post-meal insulin surges, reducing the signaling that fuels abnormal skin growth, while Unimate provides polyphenols that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation driving these pathways. Lifestyle changes—such as weight loss, a low-glycemic diet, and regular movement—further support metabolic healing and skin health.
Additional Functional Medicine strategies:
– Support insulin sensitivity with omega-3s, vitamin D, and magnesium.
– Use gut-healing strategies to reduce systemic inflammation.
– Eliminate excess sugar and refined carbohydrates to reduce insulin spikes.
Skin tags are not just cosmetic—they are the body’s visible clues of metabolic dysfunction. By lowering insulin resistance, supporting gut and hormonal balance, and addressing inflammation, you not only prevent new tags but also reduce your risk for much deeper health concerns.
I’m Dr. Dieter, and I’m here to help you Reclaim Your Health.