Definition

Acrochordons are harmless skin growths that appear to hang off the skin. They are more commonly known as skin tags.

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

Factors that increase your risk of getting acrochordons include:

• Skin chafing and irritation
• Pregnancy
• Acromegaly
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Obesity
• Insulin resistance
• Type 2 diabetes

Symptoms

Acrochordons usually appear as flesh-colored skin growths. 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. They don’t cause symptoms, even after they appear.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Most acrochordons can be diagnosed without invasive tests. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary to rule out other skin conditions.

Treatment

Most of the time, no treatment is needed and the acrochordons can be monitored. The acrochordons should be removed if they are bothering you, or if your doctor is concerned about a different skin condition.

Removal options include the following:

• Cryosurgery
• Surgical removal
• Electrosurgery
• Ligation

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent acrochordons.

American Society for Dermatologic Surgery http://www.asds.net

Dermatologists.ca http://www.dermatologists.ca

Skin tags. New Zealand Dermatological Society website. Available at:
http://www.dermnetnz.org/lesions/skin-tags.html
Updated December 15, 2014. Accessed June 3, 2015.