English

Abstract

Skin tags are small papillomas found in middle aged and elderly people. People with close family members who have skin tags are more likely to develop it. Initially these skin tags can be very small, flattened like a pinhead bump. Later they can grow to a diameter from 2mm to 1cm; some may even reach 5 cm size. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is seen in 80% of the evaluated skin tag. Definition and pathophysiology: Skin tags (acrochordons), the synonyms are fibroepithelial polyp, cutaneous papillae, cutaneous tag, fibroma molluscum, fibroma pendulum, papilloma coli, soft fibroma, templeton skin tags are small papillomas found commonly on the sides of the neck, axilla, upper trunk and eye lids of middle aged and elderly people. Obesity, pregnancy, menopause and endocrine disorders such as acromegaly predispose to this benign epithelial hyperplastic lesion. Although controversial, it has been suggested that multiple skin tags may be a marker for diabetes mellitus or impaired carbohydrate metabolism and may indicate a significantly increased risk of chronic polyps if they occur rapidly over a short period of time. One study using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) found low but detectable levels of human papilloma virus (HPV) in 80 % of the evaluated skin tags, with subtypes 6 and 11 being present 98% of the time. Skin tags are invariably benign, non-cancerous tumors of skin. Very large skin tags may burst under pressure. Skin tags are cosmetically bothersome but asymptomatic. Occasionally, a lesion will twist on its stalk and become painful, erythematous and necrotic. The lesions are single or multiple, 1 to 3 mm in diameter soft, flush coloured or hyperpigmented, oval or round papillomas. They are usually pedunculated. Treatment of obesity or underlying endocrinologic abnormality will decrease the likelihood of new lesion formation. Lesions may be confused with seborrheic keratosis, dermal nevi, neurofibromas, or warts. If multiple skin tags have occurred over a short period of time it is due to human papilloma virus serotype type 11 and 16. Skin tags are composed of a core fibres and ducts, nerve cells, fat cells, and coverings of epidermis. Skin tags are rarely associated with Birt-Hogg-Dube’s syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome. .A skin tag is a polypoid outgrowth of both epidermis and dermal fibrovascular tissue. The more commonly occurs in the skin creases or folds. 20% of lesions mainly caused by skin rubbing against some ornaments and clothings.