Acrochordons, or cutaneous skin tags, are small benign skin growths, though in some cases may be up to a half-inch long. Usually located on the neck, armpits, and other body folds, Acrochordons are skin colored (sometimes darker) and have a narrow stalk. They usually occur after midlife.
Acrochordons are painless, except for those in areas where they may be irritated by clothing or friction from opposing skin. They are more prevalent in overweight or obese persons, although anyone may have them. Sometimes they may occur in association with acanthosis nigricans. In most cases, acrochordons do not cause symptoms but can be easily removed by your doctor if bothersome to you.
Cause
A skin tag can occur anywhere in the body, including
the neck, armpits, eyelids, and even the anus.Labels of skin or skin tag growth are asymptomatic. In fact, these growths are harmless.
These are quite common and are usually benign skin growths.
Obesity and overweight men and women have a higher risk of developing skin tags.
Anal skin tags usually develop in places where there has been previous wound, in which are present in more skin fragments.
The tags are generally of the same color or slightly darker than the skin surrounding it.
It can also be joined to the anus or can grow very close to it.
Men and women are prone to developing skin tags.
Symptoms
Generally they have no specific symtoms other than that they Physically appear on the skin and has no side effects at all sometime.
But, The symptoms may occur due to irritation of the skin growths due to various factors.
Sometimes before emerging it might give such symptoms :
itch
Irritation / infection
Ache
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on appearance and typical locations.
Biopsy may occasionally be performed to rule out other conditions.
Acrochordons are generally diagnosed based on appearance. Should a tag grow, bleed or change color or shape, health care professionals may biopsy the tag to ensure it is benign.
Treatment
Generally do not require treatment
In cases where tags become irritated or traumatized, health care professionals may remove them.
As acrochordons are harmless, treatment is not strictly necessary. If a tag should become irritated or traumatized, there are several options for removal by health care professionals.
These include snipping with scissors, cryosurgery, or electrodessication (destruction by applying small electric current).
Prevention
As the Causes can be any skin conditions as well as obesity So care about skin and controlling obesity can help you prevent such condition.