Acrochordons, or skin tags, are small benign tumors that form primarily in areas where the skin forms creases, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. They also occur on the face, usually on the eyelids. They range in size from two to five millimeters, although larger ones have been seen. The surface of acrochordons may be smooth or irregular in appearance. Often, they are raised from the surface of the skin on a fleshy stalk called a "peduncle."
Skin tags are harmless, although they are sometimes irritated by clothing or jewelry. There are several methods of removing them:
- cryosurgery (freezing)
- tying off the stem to cut off the blood supply
- excision with scissors or a scalpel
- burning with an electric needle
All of these methods of treatment are considered minor surgery. Since the procedure is considered to be cosmetic in nature, most health care systems and medical insurance plans will not cover it.
Why and how skin tags form is not entirely known, but there are correlations with age and obesity. They are more common in people with diabetes mellitus, and in women. It is estimated that by age 70, up to 59 percent of people have them.
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