Is there a known cause for acrochordons?
| | Fig. 43.1 A, Multiple, small, typical exophytic, light brown acrochordons of the axilla associated with acanthotisis nigricans. B, Typical acrochordon demonstrating skin-colored, soft, pedunculated papule. Exophytic seborrheic keratoses and nevi may resemble acrochordons. (Panel A courtesy of the William L. Weston, M.D. collection.) |
An exact cause is not known. The frequent association of acrochordons with diabetes mellitus, obesity, pregnancy, menopause, acanthosis nigricans (see Fig. 43-1A), and certain endocrinopathies suggests that they are hormonally induced. However, the ubiquitous nature of these lesions in healthy older adults has been interpreted by some authorities as simply a manifestation of skin aging. Demir S, Demir Y: Acrochordon and impaired carbohydrate metabolism, Acta Diabetol 39:57–59, 2002. |
