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 growths that often occur in areas where skin rubs together, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and eyelids. Although they are completely harmless, they can be perceived as cosmetically disturbing or annoying. Fortunately, there are safe and effective ways to remove fibromas.

How do fibroids develop?

Fibroids don’t just happen. Scientific research shows that several factors can play a role, including:

• Friction and irritation: Fibromas often develop in skin folds or in places 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 fibroid.
• 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 increased 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 a disturbed fat metabolism are more likely to have fibroids. This is because high insulin levels can stimulate cell growth in the skin.
• Genetic predisposition: Heredity plays a role. If family members have a lot of skin tags, you are more likely to develop them yourself.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Some studies show a link between fibroids and certain low-risk HPV types (such as HPV 6 and 11). The virus may play a role in the development of these benign skin growths.

Are fibroids dangerous?

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

How can you get fibroids removed?

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

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

Why consult a skin therapist?

Although fibroids are medically harmless, it is wise to have them professionally assessed and removed. A skin therapist has the right techniques to safely remove fibroids without scarring or infection. In addition, as a skin therapist I can also assess whether a skin lesion is actually a fibroid, or whether further investigation is necessary.

Are you suffering from a benign skin condition that bothers you? Read more about safe treatments for benign skin conditions 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.