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Acrochordon in Adult
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Acrochordon in Adult

See also in: Anogenital
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Contributors: Noah Craft MD, PhD, Lindy P. Fox MD, Lowell A. Goldsmith MD, MPH
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Synopsis

Acrochordon : Axilla, Inframammary fold of chest, Neck, Skin tag, Inguinal region
Acrochordons, also known as skin tags or fibroepithelial polyps, are common benign, cutaneous growths. They present as small, skin-colored or brown, soft papules and are most commonly found in areas of frequent friction such as the eyelids, neck, axillary, and inguinal areas. They are usually asymptomatic but can become irritated by clothing or jewelry. Occasionally, lesions twist upon their own stalk, which leads to strangulation of their blood supply and spontaneous necrosis of the lesion. Acrochordons are associated with increasing age, pregnancy, diabetes, and obesity. Men and women are affected equally, and there is no difference in prevalence among different ethnicities and races.

Acrochordons can also be a feature of the autosomal-dominantly inherited Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome. They are increased in number in acromegaly and are sometimes associated with acanthosis nigricans.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L91.8 – Other hypertrophic disorders of the skin

SNOMEDCT:
201091002 – Skin tag

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Last Updated:10/29/2018
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Patient Information for Acrochordon in Adult
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Acrochordon : Axilla, Inframammary fold of chest, Neck, Skin tag, Inguinal region

Overview

A skin tag (acrochordon) is a common, possibly inherited condition that manifests as small, skin-colored growths on a thin stalk. Skin tags are benign lesions that can sometimes become irritated or traumatized.

Who’s At Risk

Skin tags are very common, and their incidence increases with age. Seen more often in people with growth hormone excess (acromegaly), skin tags are sometimes associated with acanthosis nigricans, a condition in which areas of skin may become thickened and velvety.

Signs & Symptoms

Skin tags are most commonly found on the eyelids, neck, armpits, and groin area. They are skin-colored growths on a thin stalk, ranging in size from small to large.

Self-Care Guidelines

None necessary.

When to Seek Medical Care

Skin tags are benign in nature, and, therefore, no treatment is necessary. However, you should seek evaluation from a primary care provider or dermatologist if you are either uncertain of the diagnosis or if the skin tags become irritated or painful.

Treatments

Skin tags may be treated by:
  • Snipping with scissors.
  • Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery).
  • Destroying it with an instrument providing a small of amount of electrical current (electrodesiccation).

References


Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.1863-1864. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed, pp. 767, 993-994, 1827. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
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Acrochordon in Adult
See also in: Anogenital
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A medical illustration showing key findings of Acrochordon : Axilla, Inframammary fold of chest, Neck, Skin tag, Inguinal region
Clinical image of Acrochordon - imageId=3553735. Click to open in gallery. caption: 'A close-up of a dark brown pedunculated papule.'
A close-up of a dark brown pedunculated papule.

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