Acrochordons are harmless skin growths that appear to hang off the skin. They are more commonly known as skin tags. Acrochordons are benign and don't require treatment. If necessary, they can be removed by your doctor.
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:
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
Your doctor will ask 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
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. In some cases, 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:
- Crysurgery
- Surgical removal
- Electrosurgery
- Ligation
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent acrochordons.
Skin tag. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated March 13, 2013. Accessed June 3, 2013.
Skin tags. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic_disorders/benign_skin_tumors/skin_tags.html. Updated June 2010. Accessed June 3, 2013.
Skin tags. New Zealand Dermatological Society website. Available at:
http://www.dermnetnz.org/lesions/skin-tags.html. Updated February 6, 2013. Accessed June 3, 2013.
Last reviewedJune 2013by
Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD; Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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