Skin Tags

Skin Tags (Acrochorda)

Skin tags, also known as acrochorda, are small, soft, benign skin growths that can appear anywhere on the body. They are most commonly found in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits (axillae), groin, eyelids, and under the breasts.

Characteristics:

• Small, typically 1-5 mm in diameter, but can grow larger.
• Soft and fleshy.
• Skin-colored or slightly darker than the surrounding skin.
• Often attached to the skin by a thin stalk (peduncle).
• Generally painless and asymptomatic.

Causes and Risk Factors:

• Friction or skin rubbing.
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, hormonal imbalances).
• Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Obesity.
• Family history/genetics.
• Age (more common in older adults).

Removal Options:

• Cryotherapy (Freezing): Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy the skin tag.
• Surgical Excision (Cutting): The skin tag is cut off with a scalpel or surgical scissors.
• Electrocautery (Burning): An electric current is used to burn off the skin tag.
• Ligation (Tying Off): A surgical thread is tied around the base of the skin tag to cut off its blood supply, causing it to fall off.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) Treatments: Some OTC products are available that freeze or dissolve skin tags, but these should be used with caution and are generally not recommended for large or numerous skin tags or skin tags on sensitive areas.

Important Considerations:

• Skin tags are harmless and do not pose a health risk. Removal is usually for cosmetic reasons.
• It is important to have any new or changing skin growths examined by a dermatologist to rule out other skin conditions.
• Do not attempt to remove skin tags yourself, especially large ones or those in sensitive areas, as this can lead to bleeding, infection, or scarring.
• A dermatologist can recommend the most appropriate removal method based on the size, location, and number of skin tags.