Fibromas (Skin tags): What are they and how do they develop?

What are fibroids?

Fibromas, also known as skin tags or acrochordons, are small, soft skin protrusions that often occur in areas where skin rubs together, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and eyelids. Although completely harmless, they can be perceived as cosmetically unsightly or bothersome. Fortunately, there are safe and effective ways to remove fibromas.

How do fibroids develop?

Fibroids do not develop out of nowhere. Scientific research indicates that various factors can play a role, including:

• Friction and irritation: Fibromas often develop in skin folds or in areas where the skin regularly rubs, such as the neck, under the breasts, or in the armpits. The constant friction can lead to small skin reactions that eventually develop into a fibroma.
• Hormonal influences: Pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, and conditions such as acromegaly and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase the risk of fibroids. This is related to elevated levels of growth hormones and insulin in the body.
• Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance: Studies show that people with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and impaired lipid metabolism have a higher incidence of fibromas. This is because high insulin levels can stimulate cell growth in the skin.
• Genetic predisposition: Heredity plays a role. If family members have many skin tags, the chance that you will develop them yourself is higher.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Some studies show a link between fibromas and certain low-risk HPV types (such as HPV 6 and 11). The virus may possibly play a role in the development of these benign skin growths.

Are fibroids dangerous?

No, fibromas are completely benign. They grow slowly and have no chance of developing into skin cancer. However, they can cause irritation, especially if they snag on clothing or jewelry. Sometimes they can become inflamed or bleed due to constant friction.

How can you have fibroids removed?

If you want to have fibroids removed, there are various professional treatments available:

• Coagulation (burning away) – With a special electrode, the skin tag is heated and disappears quickly and effectively.
• Cryotherapy (freezing) – The fibroma is treated with liquid nitrogen and falls off on its own after a few days.
• Laser therapy (ablation) – With a laser, the fibroma is vaporized layer by layer, without cutting or bleeding.
• Surgical excision – For larger fibromas, a snip excision can be performed, in which the wart is removed with sterile scissors.

Why hire a skin therapist?

Although fibromas are medically harmless, it is advisable to have them professionally assessed and removed. A skin therapist possesses the appropriate techniques to safely remove fibromas without scarring or infection. Furthermore, as a skin therapist, I can also assess whether a skin lesion is actually a fibroma or if further investigation is necessary.

Are you bothered by a benign skin condition that bothers you? Read more about safe treatments for benign skin deformities at Medicadermis.

Sources

• Farag, AGA, Abdu Allah, AMK, El-Rebey, HS, Mohamed Ibraheem, KI, Mohamed ASED, Labeeb, AZ, Elgazzar, AE, & Haggag, MM (2019).Role of insulin-like growth factor-1 in skin tags: A clinical, genetic and immunohistochemical study in a sample of Egyptian patients. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 12, 255-266.
• Kochet, K., Lytus, I., Svistunov, I., & Sulaieva, O. (2017). Skin pathology in diabetes mellitus: Clinical and pathophysiological correlations (Review). Georgian Medical News, 273, 41-46.
• Ljubojevic, S., & Skerlev, M. (2014). HPV-associated diseases. Clinics in Dermatology, 32(2), 227-234.
• Sachs, C., & Lipsker, D. (2017). The molluscum pendulum necklace sign in tuberous sclerosis complex: A case series, a pathognomonic finding? Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 31(11), e507-e508.
• Zabawski, E., Styles, A., Goetz, D., & Cockerell, C. (1997). Asymptomatic facial papules and acrochordons of the thighs. Dermatology Online Journal, 3(2), 6.