Skin Disorders

Skin disorders cover a wide range of conditions, some benign, some very serious, and some even a sign of another underlying illness. A skin disorder not only affects your physical health, but also your emotional well-being.

Skin Care › Skin Disorders › Acrochordons

Acrochordons Teatment

Alternative names : Skin tags, Cutaneous skin tags and Papillomas

Skin tags (acrochordons) are small growths of skin that some people develop on the face, neck, armpits, and the groin. The medical name is acrochordon. They are harmless and do not become cancerous or malignant.

Causes of Acrochordons

The causes of acrochordons is unknow. However, the following factors may play a role:

• Chaffing and irritation from skin rubbing together
• High levels of growth factors, particularly during pregnancy or in acrogmegaly (gigantism)
• Insulin resistance (syndrome X)
• Human papilloma virus (wart virus)
• Usually skin-colored, occasionally darker

Signs and symptoms of Acrochordons

Skin growth

• Usually very small, but sometimes half an inch long
• Located on the neck, armpits, trunk, body folds, or other areas
• May have a narrow stalk
• Usually skin-colored, occasionally darker

Treatment for Acrochordons

• Treatment is usually not necessary unless the cutaneous tags are irritating or are cosmetically displeasing.
• If skin tags become sore from rubbing clothing or jewelry or if you find them unsightly, they can be removed surgically. Healing is usually complete in a week or two.
• Electrosurgery (diathermy)
• New skin tags may form even if all existing tags are removed.
• Ligation (a suture is tied around the neck of the skin tag)