Acrochordon: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Acrochordon: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Article
Focused Health Topics
Skin Care
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBA+1 moreApr 07, 2023

Introduction:

Acrochordon, commonly known as skin tags, are benign growths of skin that appear as small, soft, and fleshy protrusions on the skin's surface. They are generally painless and harmless but can be bothersome if they occur in visible areas. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for Acrochordon.

Causes of Acrochordon:

The exact cause of Acrochordon is unknown, but several factors have been associated with their development, including:

  • Genetics
  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
  • Obesity
  • Friction or rubbing against the skin
  • Age

Symptoms of Acrochordon:

The most common symptoms of Acrochordon include:

  • Small, fleshy bumps on the skin
  • They can be skin-colored, brown, or black
  • They can appear alone or in groups
  • They are generally painless but can become irritated if they rub against clothing or jewelry

Diagnosis of Acrochordon:

Diagnosis of Acrochordon usually involves a physical examination by a dermatologist or primary care physician. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be recommended to rule out other skin conditions or cancers.

Treatment of Acrochordon:

Acrochordon generally does not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or are in areas that cause embarrassment. Treatment options include:

  • Snipping or cutting off the skin tags with scissors or a scalpel
  • Freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen
  • Burning the skin tag with an electric current (cautery)

Most treatments for Acrochordon are quick, easy, and painless. However, it is important to have any new or changing skin growths evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure that they are not cancerous.

Conclusion:

Acrochordon, or skin tags, are harmless growths of skin that can appear anywhere on the body but are commonly found in areas of friction, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. They are generally painless but can be bothersome if they occur in visible areas. Treatment is not usually necessary, but removal may be considered for cosmetic or discomfort reasons. If you are concerned about a new or changing skin growth, it is important to have it evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure that it is not cancerous.

Hashtags: #Acrochordon #SkinTags #BenignGrowths #Harmless #CosmeticConcern #Treatment #Genetics #HormonalChanges #Obesity #Friction

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Alexander Enabnit picture
Author

Alexander Enabnit

Senior Editorial Staff

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