What they look like and where they appear
A typical acrochordon is a soft, mobile growth of flesh-colored or slightly brown color, often on a narrow base. It doesn't hurt, doesn't itch, and hasn't changed for years. Sometimes the formations are single, but more often there are several of them, and they are located in groups in places of constant friction: on the sides of the neck, in the armpits, under the breasts, in the groin, on the eyelids. People who are overweight and pregnant usually have more of them. If injured by clothing or a chain, the growth may become inflamed, and if the leg is twisted, it may darken and become painful.
- Soft consistency and mobility
- Color from flesh to brownish
- Often thin stem
- Favorite areas: neck, armpits, eyelids, groin, under the breasts
- Multiple elements in one person
- Doesn't hurt or itch normally
Why do they appear
The main role is played by mechanical friction of the skin against the skin and against clothing, so the fold areas suffer first. Hereditary predisposition is also strong: parents often have similar formations. An important factor is metabolic: acrochordons are more common with overweight, insulin resistance and diabetes, often combined with darkening of the skin in the folds. Hormonal changes during pregnancy also contribute to their appearance, and some of the formations decrease after childbirth. With age, the number of elements usually increases, which is considered a variant of the norm.
- Friction of skin in folds and against clothing
- Hereditary predisposition
- Overweight and insulin resistance
- Diabetes mellitus
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Age over 40
Are they dangerous and what can they be confused with?
The acrochordons themselves are benign and do not degenerate. The problem is different: under the guise of a harmless growth, other formations may be hiding. Viral warts, seborrheic keratosis, pedunculated nevi, neurofibromas, and sometimes basal cell skin cancer are similar in appearance. Elements that grow, darken, bleed, ulcerate or become dense are of particular concern. Therefore, before removing anything, the formation should be shown to a doctor, and if there is the slightest doubt, the material is sent for histological examination.
- Viral warts
- Seborrheic keratosis
- Nevus on a leg
- Neurofibroma
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Basal cell skin cancer
How to remove
Acrochordons usually do not require treatment for medical reasons, but they are removed for cosmetic reasons or due to permanent trauma. Several methods are used: laser removal, radio wave method, electrocoagulation, cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen and surgical excision. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes a few minutes. The choice of method depends on the size, location and need for histology: large and questionable formations are best excised with subsequent examination. After removal, a crust remains that cannot be peeled off; The area is protected from the sun and friction.
- Laser removal
- Radio wave method
- Electrocoagulation
- Cryodestruction
- Surgical excision with histology
- Local anesthesia, procedure takes minutes
- Skin care and sun protection after the procedure
Prevention and what not to do
It is impossible to completely prevent the appearance of new elements, but reducing friction and normalizing metabolism helps reduce their number: weight loss, physical activity, glucose control. You should choose loose clothing made from breathable fabrics and avoid tight straps and chains in problem areas. It is strictly not recommended to tie the growth with a thread, cut it off yourself, or burn it with folk remedies: this leads to bleeding, infection, scars and, more importantly, makes it impossible to recognize a dangerous formation in time.
- Weight loss and physical activity
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Loose clothing made from breathable fabrics
- Do not tie the formations with thread
- Do not cut or burn yourself
- Show the doctor the changed elements