What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Acrochordon
• Fibroepithelial Polyp
• Soft Fibroma of Skin

What is Skin Tag? (Definition/Background Information)

• A Skin Tag is a very common, benign tumor that appears as a pedunculated (attached to the surface by a ‘peduncle’ - a narrow stalk) polyp on skin
• Skin Tags do not present any signs and symptoms in most cases, but they may be painful if traumatized. They usually occur in adult women, more than any other subset of individuals
• The cause of development of the condition is unknown, though the risk factors for Skin Tags include obesity, pregnancy, and diabetes
• A treatment of Skin Tag may be undertaken, if they are of cosmetic concern to the individual. In such cases, a simple surgical excision is sufficient treatment
• The prognosis is excellent on removal of the Skin Tag

Who gets Skin Tag? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Skin Tags are commonly found in adults (mostly older individuals). It is uncommon in children
• Both males and females are affected, though it is seen at a higher occurrence rate in women
• This condition is observed worldwide; there is no ethnic or racial predisposition

What are the Risk Factors for Skin Tag? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Skin Tags include:

• Obesity
• Poorly-controlled diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Acanthosis nigricans
• Pregnancy

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Skin Tag? (Etiology)

• The exact cause and development of Skin Tag is unknown
• However, certain lifestyle factors, pregnancy, and other conditions may play a role in its formation

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Skin Tag?

In most cases, there are no signs and symptoms of Skin Tags. However, the following may be noted:

• Skin Tags occur as tiny bag-like structures hanging from the skin surface (pedunculated polyps)
• The polyps may be skin-colored or hyperpigmented
• They may range in size from 1 to 10 mm and can be single or many in numbers (at various body sites)
• The most common locations are the body skin folds, which include the neck, thigh, armpits (axilla), and below the breasts
• Skin Tags can be painful if they undergo a trauma, such as torsion of the polyp. This can result in inflammation and bleeding

During pregnancy, it can become bigger and also increase in numbers.

How is Skin Tag Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Skin Tag may involve the following procedures and tests:

• Complete physical examination with evaluation of medical history
• Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Skin Tag?

No significant complications generally arise from Skin Tags; however:

• These polyps may present cosmetic concerns and stress, due to their unique appearance, in which case a surgery may be proposed
• Also, if they are traumatized, pain and bleeding may occur

How is Skin Tag Treated?

A Skin Tag may require no treatment, since they are generally asymptomatic. However, in case they are at a body site that causes discomfort and/or present cosmetic worries in the individual, they may be removed.

The treatment measure adopted for Skin Tags include:

• The healthcare provider may chose to regularly monitor the polyp, if they are asymptomatic
• A variety of destructive techniques can be used.  These include snipping off at the base with a small sterile scissors, electrodessication, laser ablation, or cryotherapy
• Follow-up care and check-ups are important

How can Skin Tag be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a definitive method of preventing the formation of Skin Tags.

What is the Prognosis of Skin Tag? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Skin Tag is excellent on its complete excision and removal
• Since, these are benign polyps, the prognosis is excellent, even if no treatment is provided and only periodic observation is maintained

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Skin Tag:

• Skin Tags are not infectious and they do not spread from one individual to another
• There is no definitive proof that certain types of diet may influence its development