Skin tags (acrochordons)

About Skin tags (acrochordons)

Small growths of skin that appear as flesh colored `tags` on the skin. They are not cancerous although some patients can have many skin tags on their body. Being overweight increases the likelihood of developing skin tags. The most common area to find skin tags are the neck and arm pits.

Symptoms

There are no symptoms besides the appearance of the skin tags themselves. They are usually small but can be up to 1/2 inch in length. They are most often found on the neck, arm pits, or other skin folds of the body.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be done. The diagnosis is generally made on the appearance of the skin disorder. Rarely a skin biopsy will be done to examine the tissue under a microscope.

Conventional treatment summary

No treatment is necessary unless the skin tags are unsightly. The skin tags can be surgically removed, frozen (cryotherapy), or removed using electrocautery.

Medical specialties

Internal Medicine · Dermatology · Pediatrics · Plastic Surgery · Family Practice

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Skin tags (acrochordons).