Definition
Acrochordons are harmless growths of skin that hang from the surface of the skin. They are also known as skin tags.
Acrochordons |
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Risk Factors
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
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
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
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: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic%5Fdisorders/benign%5Fskin%5Ftumors%5Fgrowths%5Fand%5Fvascular%5Flesions/skin%5Ftags.html?qt=&sc=&alt=. October 27, 2020.
Skin tags. New Zealand Dermatological Society website. Available at: http://www.dermnetnz.org/lesions/skin-tags.html. Accessed October 27, 2020.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD
- Review Date: 09/2020
- Update Date: 04/28/2021