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| - Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A Facebook video claims that a bee venom spray can remove skin tags effectively. We did the fact check to term it as Mostly False.
The Claim
According to a Facebook video, you can successfully remove skin tags by using bee venom spray. The caption in the video says:
“Achieve flawless skin with Bee Venom Skin Perfection Spray!!! Easily eliminate skin tags with our natural and powerful formula. No harsh chemicals, just smooth, radiant skin. Get ready to reveal a more perfect version of yourself! Try and embrace your natural beauty today!”
Fact Check
What is bee venom and why is it popular?
Bee venom, also known as apitoxin, is a colourless, acidic liquid produced by honeybees. It contains a complex mixture of proteins, peptides, and enzymes, which can cause inflammation and pain. Bee venom has been used in apitherapy, a branch of alternative medicine that uses bee products, for various purposes such as treating arthritis, nerve pain, and multiple sclerosis. The popularity of bee venom in skincare has grown due to claims that it can promote collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve skin texture.
The use of bee venom in cosmetic products has been marketed heavily in recent years, with promises of anti-ageing benefits and skin rejuvenation. The idea is that bee venom tricks the skin into thinking it has been mildly stung. This, therefore, increases blood flow and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which are vital for maintaining youthful and firm skin.
Are there any medicinal properties of bee venom?
Research has shown that bee venom has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It contains melittin, a peptide that has been found to possess anti-inflammatory effects and promote wound healing. Bee venom also includes other components such as apamin, adolapin, and phospholipase A2, which contribute to its biological activities.
In traditional medicine, bee venom therapy (BVT) has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including chronic pain and arthritis. Modern scientific studies have explored its potential benefits in treating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and even some forms of cancer. However, the application of bee venom in medicine is still a subject of ongoing research, and its benefits and risks are not fully understood.
A 2019 literature review discusses various studies highlighting the benefits of bee venom on human skin. Findings indicate that bee venom has significant anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which can help treat conditions like acne, atopic dermatitis, and wounds, and provide anti-aging benefits by stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture. One study on acne involved 30 participants (mice) and showed marked improvement with bee venom serum. However, limitations include the potential for severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. There is a need for larger, more comprehensive human trials to fully validate these benefits.
Why do skin tags, warts and moles happen?
Skin tags, warts, and moles are common skin growths, but they have different causes:
- Skin tags: These are benign (non-cancerous), soft, skin-coloured growths that hang off the skin. They typically occur in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, and groyne. Skin tags are composed of loose collagen fibres and blood vessels surrounded by skin.
- Warts: Warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious. They are usually rough, small, and can appear on any part of the body.
- Moles: Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black. They occur when melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment, grow in clusters. Most moles are harmless, but they can sometimes develop into melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Is there any scientific evidence of bee venom being able to remove skin tags?
No, currently there is little scientific evidence to support the claim that bee venom can effectively remove skin tags. Especially, the product in question lacks credibility. Bee venom has been studied for its potential therapeutic properties. But, there is a lack of conclusive research in treating or removing skin tags. The mechanisms by which bee venom might act on the skin do not suggest that it would specifically target skin tags. Also, there is a very significant chance of allergic reactions associated with bee venom spray.
Dermatologists usually recommend procedures such as cryotherapy (freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen), ligation (tying off the skin tag with surgical thread), or surgical removal (cutting off the skin tag with a scalpel or scissors) for skin tags. These methods are proven to be safe and effective when performed by a healthcare professional.
We sought expert insights from Dr Soumya Sachdeva, Consultant Dermatologist at Theya Wellness Skin Hair and Aesthetics Clinic, Kaushambi, on the use of bee venom for skin tags removal. She comments, “There are isolated reports that bee venom can be used as a treatment for plantar warts however it has only been suggested for relapsed or refractory plantar warts. Such a treatment is not recommended because bee venom may cause severe allergic reaction/anaphylaxis and also this treatment is not a approved treatment, there is only evidence of isolated case reports.”
What can be the side effects of using such sprays, creams or ointments?
Using bee venom sprays, creams, or ointments can have several side effects, especially for individuals who are allergic to bee stings. Research suggests that the adverse effects are pretty frequent with the use of bee venom. Potential side effects include:
- Allergic reactions: Symptoms can range from mild redness and swelling to severe anaphylactic reactions, which require immediate medical attention. People with known allergies to bee stings should avoid bee venom products altogether.
- Skin irritation: The use of bee venom products can cause irritation, itching, and rashes. These reactions can be particularly problematic for individuals with sensitive skin or existing skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
- Pain and inflammation: Bee venom can cause localised pain and inflammation due to its natural composition. The components of bee venom are designed to cause pain as a defence mechanism, and this can translate to discomfort when applied topically.
Moreover, the effectiveness of over-the-counter bee venom products can vary widely, and they are not regulated as strictly as prescription medications. This lack of regulation can lead to inconsistencies in product formulation and concentration, increasing the risk of adverse reactions. There are also claims regarding bee venom spray being able to cure arthritis, bee venom as a cancer cure, or HIV cure. But all these claims are largely false, and are yet to be proven medically.
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