Acrochordons
(Skin Tags; Fibroepithelial Polyps)
Definition
Acrochordons are harmless growths of skin that hang from the surface of the skin. They are also known as skin tags.
AcrochordonsCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Risk Factors TOP
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Skin chafing and irritation
- Pregnancy
- Acromegaly
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Obesity
- Insulin resistance
- Type 2 diabetes
Symptoms TOP
Skin tags appear as small, flesh-colored skin growths. They are often found in folds of the skin, such as the arm pit, neck, or groin. They do not cause any symptoms.
Diagnosis TOP
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
Some people may need a skin biopsy to rule out other problems.
Treatment TOP
Most people do not need treatment. Skin tags can be watched. They should be removed if they are causing irritation.
Removal choices are:
- Cryosurgery
- Surgical removal
- Electrosurgery
- Cutting off blood supply to the skin tag with a band
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
http://www.asds.net
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca
Dermatologists.ca
http://www.dermatologists.ca
REFERENCES:
Common benign skin lesions. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/common-benign-skin-lesions. Accessed October 27, 2020.
Skin tags. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
October 27, 2020.
Skin tags. New Zealand Dermatological Society website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed October 27, 2020.
Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD
Last Updated: 4/28/2021