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Acrochordons (Skin Tags, Fibroepithelial Polyps) by Krisha McCoy, MS En Español (Spanish Version) Definition Acrochordons are harmless skin growths that appear to hang off the skin. Acrochordons can be mistaken for a more serious condition, so if you think you have one, see your healthcare provider. Acrochordons © 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. Causes Acrochordons consist of collagen fibers and blood vessels that are surrounded by a thin layer of skin. It is not clear what causes them. Risk Factors Page 1 of 3 Copyright © 2008 EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved. A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following factors increase your chance of developing acrochordons. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor: Skin chafing and irritation Pregnancy Acromegaly (gigantism) Insulin resistance Human papilloma virus Obesity Type 2 diabetes Crohn's disease Symptoms Acrochordons are usually flesh-colored, but may be darker in color. They are generally small, but can range in size from 1 millimeter to 5 centimeters in diameter. They are often found in folds of the skin. Diagnosis Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Most acrochordons can be diagnosed without invasive tests. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary. Treatment Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Acrochordons need to be differentiated from neurofibromas, as well as other benign skin lesions. Treatment options include the following: Cryotherapy Cryotherapy involves freezing the acrochordon so it falls off. Surgical Excision Acrochordons can be removed surgically with scissors. Electrosurgery In electrosurgery, an electric current is applied to the acrochordon to cut it off. Ligation With ligation, a suture is tied around the neck of the acrochordon to remove it. Prevention Since their cause is unclear, there is no known way to prevent acrochordons. RESOURCES: Page 2 of 3 Copyright © 2008 EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved. American Academy of Dermatology http://www.aad.org American Society for Dermatologic Surgery http://www.asds-net.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Dermatology Association http://www.dermatology.ca/english Dermatologists.ca http://www.dermatologists.ca/index.html REFERENCES: Gould BE, Ellison RC, Greene HL, Bernhard JD. Lack of association between skin tags and colon polyps in a primary care setting. Arch Intern Med. 1988;148:1799. Skin tag. EBSCO Dynamed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed December 3, 2006. Skin tags. New Zealand Dermatological Society website. Available at: http://www.dermnetnz.org/lesions/skin-tags.html . Accessed December 3, 2006. Winton GB, Lewis CW. Dermatoses of pregnancy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1982;6:977. Last reviewed February 2008 by Jill Landis, MD All EBSCO Publishing proprietary, consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at [email protected]. Page 3 of 3 Copyright © 2008 EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.
