Skin Tags (Acrochordons): Demographic Features and Their Correlation with Body Mass Index (BMI)
Sofian Altajori
Faculty of Medicine, Benghazi University, Benghazi, Libya.
Aisha Trabelsi
Faculty of Medicine, Benghazi University, Benghazi, Libya.
Gamal Duweb *
Faculty of Medicine, Benghazi University, Benghazi, Libya.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Skin tag is a benign tumor of the skin with a soft consistency which commonly occurs in the flexure area. Skin tag often found in individuals with middle and old age. Until now, there are many of theories have been proposed to explain the mechanism of the skin tag, one of the theory is obesity and association with metabolic syndrome.
Aim of the Study: The study aim was to know the frequency and demographic features of skin tag in Libyan patients and to evaluate the possible correlation with body mass index (BMI).
Patients and Methods: This study is an analytic study with cross-sectional designs involving 50 Libyan patients with skin tags and 50 controls. All participants were exposed to detailed disease history and complete dermatological examination. The height, weight, body mass index (BMI) of patients was calculated by dividing body weight to height square (kg/m2). Patients were considered according to their BMI:
- BMI ≤ 18 as thin.
- BMI between 19 and 25 as normal.
- BMI between 26 and 29 as overweight.
- BMI ≥30 as obese.
Where the height of Blood pressure was measured by sphygmomanometer.
Statistical analysis
Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical package version 28. Means and standard deviations (SD) were calculated.
Results: Among 50 participants diagnosed clinically as skin tags included in this study, the sociodemographic characteristics showed that mean age of the participants was 52.8 ± 11.8 years, ranging from (29- 78 years). Less than of the participants (46%) were females, and about one-third of the participants (32%) were smoking. 42% of the participants reported they had positive family history. The age group distribution showed that most of patients were age group >60 years and seen in 32% followed by age group 40-49 years and 50-59 years that seen in 28% and 243% respectively.
The average body mass index was 29.3±2.6, ranging from (24.9-36.3).
Fifty six percent of our participants were overweight and 42% were obese.
The common sites of lesions were neck and axilla. The number of lesions was 10 or less in 76%. The average duration of lesions was 4.4±1.9 years, ranging from (1-10 years). Our results showed there was no statistically significant correlation between gender, age, age groups and body mass index (BMI).
Conclusion: It can be concluded, individuals with overweight and obesity BMI have an increased risk or predisposition factor to the development of skin tags (Acrochordons).
Keywords: Demography, skin tags, acrochordons, body mass index