Also called skin tags, acrochordons are skin-colored non-cancerous growths. They usually look like a skin tissue cluster branching from a tiny stem. At times, they are darker and resemble a raised mole. Typically, the skin tags are between 1 to 5 mm. However, some grow as big as a few centimeters. Acrochordons are common; studies suggest that 50 percent of all adults have had at least one skin tag in their lifetime.
Symptoms
Beyond their cosmetic appearance, acrochordons generally do not cause any discomfort or pain. But there are exceptions to this. The condition may also trigger other symptoms if it is repeatedly irritated. Most people get skin tags removed because of cosmetic reasons. However, people may also consider skin tag removal if:
The tags are red and irritated from bleeding or turn black from twisting.
If there is a skin tissue death.
They may snag by jewelry, clothing, seat belts, or pets, causing discomfort or pain.
Note that skin tags are non-cancerous and have no malignant potential. Sometimes skin tags fall sans any discomfort or pain. It can happen when the tag twists on its stalk base, curtailing the blood flow to them.
Causes
The precise causes of acrochordons are unknown. However, they are linked to the following:
Friction between skin surfaces, especially in the summer season because of the sweat deposition in the armpits, thighs, and neck.
Insulin resistance, wherein the individual’s body cells do not respond to insulin secretion, and the pancreas makes up more insulin for the body. Hence, more skin tags may often indicate diabetes.
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy. The hormones are overly reactive during pregnancy, resulting in additional growth in the skin’s uppermost layer. The acrochordons in the pregnancy stem from the increased hormone levels and high stomach friction rates in the final trimester. An increased friction rate in the neck and armpits may also lead to skin tags.
Treatments
Skin tags are harmless and do not necessarily need treatments. Usually, people remove them for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons. Large acrochordons in areas where they rub against something like jewelry, clothing, or skin may be removed because of irritation. Further, removing the big tags from under the arms or the face makes shaving straightforward.
Surgery
Some procedures that can help are:
Ligation: The skin tag’s blood supply is stopped.
Cryosurgery: The acrochordon is frozen off with a probe containing liquid nitrogen.
Cauterization: Electrolysis is used for burning off the skin tag.
Excision: A scalpel is used to cut the skin tag.
A specialist skin doctor or dermatologist may perform these operations. However, when the skin tags are on the eyelid, close to the margin, a specialist eye doctor or an ophthalmologist conducts the procedure. Doctors do not recommend removing acrochordons at home; it may lead to an infection or bleeding. For tiny tags, one removal method involves using dental floss or thin cotton thread to encircle the tag’s base, cutting off its blood supply and facilitating its detachment.
Other treatment options
Further, your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter solutions to freeze the skin tags. The skin tags typically fall off after seven to ten days after their application.
