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Acrochordons, also known as fibrous polyps or fibroe-epithelial tumours, are small benign skin growths that are often found around the eyes, neck, under the armpits or in the groin. Although they are generally harmless and non-cancerous, their presence may indicate more serious internal problems.
Although dermatologists often argue that acrochordons appear in areas where the skin rubs against the skin, this is not the only factor involved. This is because many people whose skin rubs regularly do not develop acrochordons. This indicates that there is something deeper going on inside the body.
Acrochordons and metabolic syndrome
There is a strong correlation between the presence of acrochordons and various metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. If you have several acrochordons, this could be a sign that your body is sending you to warn that your metabolism is in trouble.
Metabolic syndrome includes several conditions such as hypertension, high glucose levels, excess abdominal fat and abnormal levels of cholesterol or triglycerides. All these factors increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Risk factors and genetic components
There is a small genetic component in the development of acrochordons. If your family has one, you are slightly more likely to have them as well. In addition, a viral factor may be involved, although this is not yet fully understood.
However, the main cause of acrochordons, especially if they are numerous, remain the metabolic disorders mentioned above. Acrochordons are one of many distress signals that your body uses to prevent you from internal imbalances.
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