Cutaneous skin tags

Answer 1

Definition

Cutaneous skin tags are small, usually harmless (benign) skin growths.

Alternative Names

Skin tags; Acrochordons; Fibroepithelial polyps

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cutaneous tags are very common skin growths. They usually occur after midlife and are usually harmless and noncancerous (benign). The tag sticks out of the skin and may have a short, narrow stalk connecting it to the surface of the skin.

Cutaneous tags are usually painless and do not grow or change. However, they may be irritated from rubbing by clothing or other materials. Cutaneous skin tags are more common in people who are overweight or who have Diabetes. They are thought to occur from skin rubbing against skin, so they commonly form in skin folds.

Symptoms

The only symptom is a growth on the skin. The growth (tag) is usually small, although some may be up to a half-inch long.

Other characteristics include:

• Located on the neck, armpits, trunk, body folds, or other areas
• May have a narrow stalk
• Usually skin-colored, occasionally darker

Signs and tests

Diagnosis is based primarily on the appearance of the skin growth. Occasionally, a biopsy may be needed to diagnose an unusual-looking skin tag.

Treatment

Treatment is usually not necessary unless the cutaneous tags are irritating or are cosmetically displeasing. The growths may be removed by surgery, by freezing (cryotherapy), or by electrical burn (cautery).

Expectations (prognosis)

Cutaneous tags are generally benign and usually not bothersome. They may become irritated or be cosmetically displeasing. There is usually no regrowth or scar formation after cutaneous tags are removed, although new growths may appear elsewhere on the body.

Complications

There are usually no complications. Occasionally, irritation and discomfort may occur. If cut, they can bleed excessively. The skin tags may be cosmetically unsightly.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have cutaneous tags and you want them removed, or if the appearance of a cutaneous tag changes.

ReferencesBenign skin tumors. In: Habif TP, ed.Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 20.

Answer 2

Definition

A cutaneous skin tag is a common skin growth that is usually harmless (benign).

Alternative Names

Skin tag; Acrochordon; Fibroepithelial polyp

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

A cutaneous tag usually occurs in older adults. They are more common in people who are overweight or who have diabetes. They are thought to occur from skin rubbing against skin.

Symptoms

The tag sticks out of the skin and may have a short, narrow stalk connecting it to the surface of the skin. It is usually small, but may be a half-inch long. The tag is usually the same color as skin, or a little darker.

It is usually painless and does not grow or change. However, it may be irritated from rubbing by clothing or other materials.

A skin tag may occur on the

• Neck
• Underarms
• Middle of the body, or under folds of skin
• Eyelids
• Other body areas

Signs and tests

Your doctor can diagnose this condition by looking at your skin. Sometimes, a skin biopsy is done.

Treatment

Treatment is usually not needed. Your doctor may recommend treatment if the skin tag is irritating, or you don't like how it looks. Treatment may include:

• Surgery to remove it
• Freezing it (cryotherapy)
• Burning it off (cauterization)

Expectations (prognosis)

A skin tag is usually harmless. It may become irritated if clothing rubs against it. The growth usually does not grow back after it is removed. However, new skin tags may form on other parts of the body.

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor or nurse if the skin tag changes, or if you want it removed. Do not cut it yourself, because it can bleed a lot.

ReferencesBenign skin tumors. In: Habif TP, ed.Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 20. Reviewed By

Review Date: 11/22/2011

Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.