Dear George;
Skin tags which are medically known as acrochordons are small, non cancerous growths that tend to be the same color as your skin.
These,may resemble a raised mole (small, coloured spots on the skin) or a cluster of skin tissue extending out from a tiny stem. They’re sometimes darker and can grow between 1-5 mm, but some can grow as large as a few centimeters.
Although acrochordons are common to the extent that half of all adults will have at least one skin tag in their lifetime,according to researcher’s estimates, it should be noted that they occur more commonly in individuals suffering from obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome , and in people with a family history of skin tags.
Signs and symptoms
Skin tags are most often found in areas where two skin areas may touch or rub together (intertriginous) namely neck, eyelids, armpits, groin and at the trunk , abdomen, and back.
Causes
- Frequent irritation of the skin has been implicated as a cause, chiefly in individuals who are obese.
- The human papilloma-virus (HPV) in many studies has been associated with some skin tags.
- There has also been an observed association with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Hormonal imbalances (progesterone, and estrogen) may potentiate the development of skin tags;
Since on some occasions, a growth that looks like a skin tag may be something else, like a wart, skin disease or skin cancer. Dermatologist or other experienced health care workers should be consulted for acurate diagnosis.
Treatment
Skin tags may simply require excision, other methods of removal include cryotherapy (cooling with liquid nitrogen ).
These methods shouldn’t be tried at home however simple they sound.
Question answered by Dr Molino, Clinical head, Equity Afia Kimbua(Kenya
