A Clinicoepidemiological Study of Skin Tags and Their Association with Metabolic Syndrome

In a study from October 2013 to September 2014 with 165 patients, 112 (67.88%) completed the protocol to examine the relationship between skin tags and metabolic syndrome. The study found that 47 (41.96%) of the participants had metabolic syndrome, with a higher prevalence of hypertension (33.03%), abnormal glucose tolerance (36.6%), and high LDL cholesterol levels (56.25%). Skin tags were most commonly found on the neck (88.39%) and in the 31-40 age group. Patients with 11 or more skin tags, particularly on the thigh, neck, or axilla, were more likely to have metabolic syndrome. The presence of acanthosis nigricans was not significantly different in patients with or without metabolic syndrome. The study recommended that patients with skin tags be screened for diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases to reduce associated morbidity and mortality.