From the Research
Acrochordons, commonly known as skin tags, are benign growths that can be safely and effectively removed using the 755 nm alexandrite laser, as evidenced by a recent study 1. This method has been shown to be effective in removing skin tags in a single session without bleeding and with minimal discomfort. The use of lasers for acrochordon removal has gained attention due to the limitations of conventional methods, which can be associated with bleeding problems, pain, and prolonged sequelae. Some key points to consider when dealing with acrochordons include:
- They are typically small, soft, flesh-colored growths that appear on the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin folds, or under breasts.
- They consist of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by skin.
- They are harmless and do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort, become irritated from clothing or jewelry, or create cosmetic concerns.
- Removal options include snipping with sterile scissors, freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy), burning with electrocautery, or tying off with a string or dental floss to cut off blood supply.
- Home removal is not recommended due to risks of bleeding and infection.
- Skin tags are more common in middle-aged and older adults, people who are overweight, and those with diabetes.
- They may also run in families or develop during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
- While multiple skin tags might warrant a check for underlying conditions like diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome, they generally pose no health risk, although in rare cases, they can be a presenting sign of nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, particularly in children 2.
- Histologic analysis is necessary for diagnostic confirmation, especially in cases where the lesion is unusually large or has grown rapidly 3.
- Ethyl chloride spray anesthesia can be used to make the removal process more comfortable and painless for patients 4.