Skin tag

Skin tag (also known as acrochordon, cutaneous papilloma, cutaneous tag, fibroepithelial polyp, fibroma molluscum, fibroma pendulum, soft fibroma, and templeton skin tag) is a small benign tumor that forms primarily in areas where the skin forms creases, such as the neck, armpit, and groin. They may also occur on the face, usually on the eyelids.

Causes

The exact cause of skin tags is unknown, but they have been associated with the following factors:

• Friction from skin rubbing against skin
• Obesity
• Insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes
• Pregnancy, possibly due to hormonal changes and high levels of growth factors
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Aging

Symptoms

Skin tags are usually painless and do not grow or change, but they may be irritated from rubbing by clothing or other materials.

Treatment

Treatment is typically not necessary unless the skin tags are irritating or for cosmetic reasons. Removal methods include:

• Cryotherapy - freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen
• Electrosurgery - burning off the skin tag with high-frequency electrical energy
• Ligation - interrupting the blood supply to the skin tag
• Excision - cutting off the skin tag with a scalpel or scissors

See also

• Dermatology
• Skin lesion
• Wart
• Mole (skin marking)

Skin tag Resources
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