Skin tag
| Skin tag | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Acrochordon, acrochorda, skin polyp, fibroepithelial polyp,[1] fibrovascular papilloma, soft fibroma, fibroma molle |
 | |
| Several acrochorda in the skin of the lower neck, soft consistency, the bottom acrochordon taking a pedunculated shape | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
A skin tag, or acrochordon (pl. acrochorda), is a small benign tumor that forms primarily in areas where the skin forms creases, such as the neck, armpit and groin. They may also occur on the face, usually on the eyelids. Perianal skin tags can be associated with Crohn's disease.[citation needed] Acrochorda are generally harmless and painless and usually do not grow or change over time.[citation needed] Though tags up to a half-inch long have been seen,[2] they are typically the size of a grain of rice. The surface of an acrochordon may be smooth or irregular in appearance and is often raised from the surface of the skin on a fleshy stalk called a peduncle. Microscopically, an acrochordon consists of a fibrovascular core, sometimes also with fat cells, covered by an unremarkable epidermis. However, tags may become irritated by shaving, clothing, jewellery or eczema.
Cause
According to one study done in 2012 there is no association between skin tag and low risk and high risk human papillomaviruses.[3]
Skin tags are thought to occur from skin rubbing up against skin, since they are so often found in skin creases and folds.[2] Studies have shown existence of low-risk HPV 6 and 11 in skin tags, hinting at a possible role in its pathogenesis.[4] Acrochorda have been reported to have a prevalence of 46% in the general population.[5] A causal genetic component is thought to exist.[6] They also are more common in women than in men. Acrochorda were once thought to be associated with colorectal polyps, but studies have shown no such connection exists.[7] Rarely, they can be associated with the Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome, acromegaly, and polycystic ovary syndrome.[8]
Elevated blood sugar and insulin is linked to an increased incidence of skin tags through an unknown mechanism.[9]
Treatment
Because tags are benign, treatment is unnecessary unless the tags become frequently irritated or present a cosmetic concern. If removal is desired or warranted, it can be achieved using a home treatment kit, dermatologist, general practitioner or similarly trained professional who may use cauterisation, cryosurgery, excision, laser,[10] or surgical ligation to remove the acrochorda.[2]
See also
- Molluscum contagiosum (a viral disease which is similar in appearance and grows in similar areas)
- List of cutaneous neoplasms associated with systemic syndromes
- Papiloma
References
- ^ Edwards, Libby; Lynch, Peter J. Genital Dermatology Atlas. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2010. p. 209. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|name-list-format=ignored (|name-list-style=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c "Cutaneous skin tag". Medline Plus. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
- ^ Pezeshkpoor F, Jafarian AH, Ghazvini K, Yazdanpanah MJ, Sadeghian A, Esmaili H, Karrabi M, Rohani F, Joushan B (May 2012). "An association of human papillomaviruses low risk and high risk subtypes with skin tag". Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences. 15 (3): 840–4. PMC 3586892. PMID 23493098.
- ^ Gupta S, Aggarwal R, Gupta S, Arora SK (2008). "Human papillomavirus and skin tags: Is there any association?". Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 74: 222–5. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.39585.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link) - ^ Schwartz, Robert A. "Acrochordon". Medscape Reference. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|name-list-format=ignored (|name-list-style=suggested) (help) - ^ "Acrochordons - Symptoms & Treatment". Womens-health-beauty.com. Retrieved 28 November 2011.
- ^ Brendler; et al. (June 1989). "Skin tags are not a risk factor for colorectal polyps". Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 11 (3): 299–302.
{{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in:|last1=(help) - ^ "Acrochordon (Skin Tag, Fibroepithelial Polyp)". Thedoctorsdoctor.com. 1 December 2008. Retrieved 28 November 2011.
- ^ Tamega A, Aranha AM, Guiotoku MM, Miot LD, Miot HA (1 January 2010). "[Association between skin tags and insulin resistance]". Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia. 85 (1): 25–31. PMID 20464083.
- ^ Manchanda, Yashpal (2 August 2018). "Removal of skin tags with Erbium:YAG Laser: A simple, safe, quick, and effective technique requiring no local anesthesia". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 79: AB244 – via Elsevier Science Direct.