Warts are single or clustered, irregular growths found on the hands, feet, arms, and other parts of the body. They vary in size but most are smaller than a pea. Warts are usually due to a virus and can be contagious. They may spread if picked, bitten, or nicked while shaving.

Moles are discolored growths that are elevated above the surface of the skin. They are usually harmless unless irritated. Moles that change size, shape, or color could be a sign of cancer. In these cases (or if a mole becomes irritated) a visit to a healthcare professional is necessary.

Skin tags are common benign growths of skin ranging in size from a pin point to a large grape. They may appear to be hanging by a thin stalk and are the same color as skin (or just a little darker). Skin tags usually appear under the arms, on the neck, on the eyelids, and on the chest area. They often do not appear until middle age and affect women more than men.

Some warts, moles, and skin tags are believed to be caused by vitamin deficiency, mineral deficiency, overuse of antibiotics, and vaccinations that suppress the immune system. Vitamin A rich foods should be added to the diet. Eat lots of yellow and green vegetables, fruits, eggs, and cold water fish. Foods that contain sulfur are also good. Eat asparagus, garlic, onion, fresh figs, and citrus fruits on a daily basis.

Vitamin A supplements may be of use. Vitamin A should be taken for six to eight weeks before results are noticeable. Nothing seems to happen and then suddenly wart will disappear all at once. Immunity building herbs are also recommended.

Warts may be removed by various herbal and natural applications. Everyone is different so try several remedies to see what works best. Many times all that is needed is an overripe banana. Apply very soft brownish black banana skin (inside down) to wart. Cover with band-aid for 24 hours. Repeat until wart is gone.

Sometimes lemon juice can remove warts. Apply mixture of lemon juice, sea salt, onion juice, and vitamin E oil. Papaya skin or raw potato may also be of use.

Some people find that aloe vera gel removes warts. Other things to try include jojoba oil, cinnamon oil, grapefruit seed extract, nettles extract, garlic oil, garlic paste, castor oil, wheat germ oil, birch bark, basil leaves, tea tree oil, and dandelion stem juice. Apply to growth and cover with band-aid. Avoid contact with surrounding skin.

Skin tags are different from warts in that they are not caused by a virus. Cause is unknown but some people believe they may be hereditary. An old remedy for removing skin tags was by cutting off blood supply. String was tied tightly around the base of the skin tag. It usually fell off within a week. Some impatient old timers just whacked them off with scissors!

*Do not try to remove moles with home remedies. Please seek the advice of a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medicines.