what is a skin tag?

• An acrochordon (plural acrochorda, and also known as a (cutaneous) skin tag, or fibroepithelial polyp, is a small benign tumour that forms primarily in areas where the skin forms creases, such as the neck, armpit, and groin.  

• They may also occur on the face, usually on the eyelids. Acrochorda are harmless and typically painless, and do not grow or change over time. 

• Though tags up to a half-inch long have been seen, they are typically the size of a grain of rice. 
• The surface of an acrochordon may be smooth or irregular in appearance and is often raised from the surface of the skin on a fleshy stalk called a peduncle.  
• Microscopically, an acrochordon consists of a fibro-vascular core, sometimes also with fat cells, covered by an unremarkable epidermis. 
• However, tags may become irritated by shaving, clothing or jewelry.

• It is believed that skin tags occur from skin rubbing up against skin, since they are so often found in skin creases and folds. 
• Studies have shown existence of low-risk HPV 6 and 11 in skin tags hinting at a possible role in its pathogenesis. 
• They are more common in people who are overweight, have diabetes and in pregnant women.
• Acrochorda have been reported to have an incidence of 46% in the general population. 
• A causal genetic component is thought to exist.