Conditions · Lesions & Growths

Skin Tags

Acrochordons are benign fibroepithelial outgrowths on a narrow stalk. Individually they are a non-event. Collectively, the count carries information.

Mechanism

What is actually happening

Loose fibrous tissue covered by epidermis, concentrated where skin folds against skin. Tissue expression of insulin-like growth factor receptors is significantly higher in acrochordon tissue than in controls.

The distinction

How it is told apart

Multiple or rapidly appearing lesions are repeatedly associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia. A sudden crop is a finding, not only a cosmetic complaint.

Assessment

What is established first

Number, distribution, rate of appearance, sites of friction, and whether acanthosis nigricans is present alongside.

Approach

What is typically done

Removal is quick and the lesion does not return at that site. New ones appear elsewhere if the underlying drivers are unchanged.

When treatment waits

When it is deferred

Home removal with thread or scissors risks bleeding, infection and scarring, and forecloses identifying a lesion that was not an acrochordon.

Full guide: skin tag removal in Singapore →

Frequently asked

What is skin tags?

Acrochordons are benign fibroepithelial outgrowths on a narrow stalk. Individually they are a non-event. Collectively, the count carries information.

How is skin tags told apart from similar conditions?

Multiple or rapidly appearing lesions are repeatedly associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia. A sudden crop is a finding, not only a cosmetic complaint.

What is assessed before treating skin tags?

Number, distribution, rate of appearance, sites of friction, and whether acanthosis nigricans is present alongside.

When is treatment deferred?

Home removal with thread or scissors risks bleeding, infection and scarring, and forecloses identifying a lesion that was not an acrochordon.

Have this assessed

Every assessment is carried out personally by Dr Sin Yong, Medical Director. 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza.

Book My Appointment →
← All conditions we assess