Acrochordons, also known as skin tags, are a common skin condition that results in small, fleshy bumps anywhere on the body. The benign neoplasms, or bumps, are typically found on the neck, armpits, and groin areas and don’t cause any pain. Despite being harmless, they can be a source of frustration and embarrassment for many people. Read on to learn about acrochordons in detail, including their causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention methods.

What are acrochordons?
Acrochordons are small, benign, skin-colored growths that usually appear on the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin, or under the breasts. They are more commonly referred to as skin tags and typically range in size from 1 to 5 millimeters. Though they are often painless, acrochordons may become irritated or inflamed if they are rubbed against or snagged on clothing or jewelry.

What causes acrochordons?
Acrochordons, or skin tags, are harmless, non-cancerous growths that can appear anywhere on the body. While their exact cause is unknown, certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing them.

Age
Skin tags are more common in adults over 30 but can also occur in children.
Weight
Being above a certain BMI limit may increase your risk of developing skin tags.
Diabetes
It is more likely that people with diabetes will develop skin tags.
Genetics
Certain genetic conditions can increase your risk of developing skin tags. These conditions include Turner syndrome and Down syndrome.
Friction
Repeated friction and rubbing against clothing or jewelry can irritate the skin and cause acrochordons to form.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause may contribute to the development of acrochordons.

How are acrochordons diagnosed?
The diagnosis is generally straightforward, but physical examination may be necessary in some cases. To diagnose an acrochordon (skin tag), your doctor will physically examine the area and look for characteristics unique to skin tags, such as size and shape.

If further diagnosis is needed, they may perform a biopsy test. This includes taking a tissue sample from the affected area for analysis at a lab, where it can be tested for any abnormalities or signs indicative of other conditions like diabetes or cancer.

In most cases, however, this isn’t necessary, and simply examining the appearance of the acrochordon is all that’s required to make an accurate diagnosis. Doctors typically determine the best way to proceed with treatment after their initial assessment. If you notice anything unusual, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor immediately for guidance on proper care and moving forward.

Symptoms of acrochordons
The condition typically causes no symptoms. The presence of usually small, skin-colored, or slightly darker flaps of skin that protrude from the body is the only sign. They may be firm or soft, depending on where they are located.

Treatment of acrochordons
While acrochordons are generally harmless, they may be cosmetically unappealing or cause discomfort in an area where clothing rubs against them. Fortunately, there are treatments available for those who wish to remove it:

Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is one option for treating acrochordons. It involves freezing off the affected areas with liquid nitrogen. This treatment effectively removes most types of benign lesions, including skin tags. However, cryotherapy may not work well on larger or thicker lesions and can sometimes leave scars behind after healing is complete.

Surgery
Surgical excision is another option for treating acrochordons. This procedure involves cutting out each lesion using a scalpel or other sharp instrument under local anesthesia. The advantage of surgical excision over cryotherapy is that it allows for more precise removal without damaging surrounding tissues, but it does require more recovery time.

Laser therapy
It uses high-intensity light beams that heat up and destroy targeted cells while leaving healthy ones intact. It’s often used as an alternative method when traditional methods fail due to its precise ability to target specific areas. Like surgery, laser therapy requires some downtime afterward, so patients should plan accordingly before undergoing treatment.

Can acrochordons be prevented?
Although there is no certain way to prevent acrochordons from forming, making lifestyle changes may help reduce your risk of developing these growths. This suggests that good health practices, such as regular exercise and eating a healthy food regimen could potentially help reduce the risk of developing acrochordons.

It is also important to avoid activities that place undue strain on your skin, like shaving too close or wearing tight clothing, as this could aggravate existing lesions or even lead to new ones forming over time.

Suppose you notice any bumps appearing on your body. In that case, it’s best to seek professional advice to determine an appropriate course of action.