Goals

To remove skin tags (acrochordons) due to irritation by clothing or jewelry or for cosmetic effect.

Background

Skin tags, or acrochordons, are idiopathic benign skin lesions made of overgrowths of normal skin that have formed soft polyp-like lesions attached by a stalk. Skin tags are commonly found in areas of high friction such as the axilla, groin, neck, and upper trunk. Skin tags can develop in any patient population but increase in incidence after middle age.

Contraindications

Referral to dermatology may be warranted in the following situations:

• Skin tag on eyelid or face
• Patient history of keloids
• Diabetes with history of poor wound healing
• Immunosuppression
• Potential for malignant lesion