From the Guidelines
A red appearance in an acquired benign fibroepithelial polyp, also known as a cutaneous (skin) tag, is not a characteristic typically associated with these lesions, as they are usually flesh-colored or slightly darker than the surrounding skin 1.
The description of an acquired benign fibroepithelial polyp, or cutaneous (skin) tag, is a small, soft growth of skin that appears as a small bump on the skin. Skin tags are benign (non-cancerous) growths that commonly occur in skin folds such as the neck, armpits, groin, or eyelids. They can become irritated or inflamed due to various factors, but a red appearance is not a typical characteristic.
Some key points to consider about skin tags include:
- They are usually harmless and do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or are cosmetically bothersome
- They can become irritated or inflamed if they get twisted, or if they are irritated by clothing or jewelry
- If a skin tag changes in appearance, grows rapidly, bleeds unexpectedly, or is painful, it is essential to consult a doctor promptly as these could indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention
- Removal of skin tags should only be done by a healthcare provider through methods such as freezing (cryotherapy), cutting, or burning (electrocautery), as attempting to remove them at home can lead to bleeding, infection, or scarring.
It is crucial to note that the provided study 1 does not directly address the characteristics of skin tags, but rather focuses on the surgical management of anal cancer, which is not relevant to the description of benign fibroepithelial polyps or skin tags.
From the Research
Description of Acquired Benign Fibroepithelial Polyp
- An acquired benign fibroepithelial polyp, also known as a cutaneous (skin) tag, is a common benign neoplasm located predominantly in intertriginous skin 2.
- Skin tags are generally of cosmetic concern and can be easily treated with cryotherapy, electrodessication, or snip-excision 2.
- They are benign lesions that often represent only an aesthetic problem, but if subjected to trauma, they can occasionally bleed with possible infection and pain 3.
Characteristics of Skin Tags
- Skin tags are small, soft, pedunculated protrusions that occur mainly on the neck and major flexures 4.
- They can be arranged in a linear fashion, suggesting an etiopathogenic role for friction 2.
- Skin tags can be treated with various methods, including cryotherapy, electrodessication, snip-excision, and the use of a novel medical device that applies pressure to the base of the skin tag 5.
Etiology of Skin Tags
- The etiopathogenesis of skin tags is not fully understood, but friction may play a role in their development 2.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) may also be associated with the development of skin tags, with low-risk HPV types 6 and 11 detected in 48.6% of skin tags examined in one study 6.
- Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels have also been studied in non-diabetic patients with skin tags, with results showing an increased insulin level in these patients 4.
Red Appearance of Skin Tags
- There is no specific information available in the provided studies about the red appearance of skin tags.