SKIN TAGS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A VALUABLE MARKER

Abstract

INTRODUCTION- Acrochordons [Skin Tag (ST)], are common, small, soft, benign connective tissue tumors of the dermis containing loose fibrous connective tissue. They are usually skin colored or brownish pedunculated papules, may be single or multiple, with smooth or irregular surface, ranging 1 mm to 20 mm in diameter. The ST developing in diabetes mellitus (DM) is due to hyperinsulinemia that is increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) which leads to keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation. MATERIALS AND METHODS- Patients presenting with skin tags to the dermatology OPD in Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital from a period of December 2018 to May 2019 were taken into account, 110 cases were enrolled whereas same no. of controls were included in the study. The details of the study were explained to all subjects and informed consent was taken. Detailed history taking and examination was done. The site and number of skin tags was recorded and fasting blood glucose levels of both groups were measured to screen them for DM by WHO criteria (Normal Range <126mg/dl) by venous blood sample taken overnight fasting of 8 hrs. RESULT AND DISCUSSION- Total no. of subjects were 220 (110 cases and 110 controls), out of which 63.6% were males and 36.4% were females with average age of 44.05 yrs. Duration of skin tags ranged from 6 months to 180 months however 85.5% cases had a single skin tag. Multiple skin tags were common in males (21.4%). Family history of skin tags was higher in cases (41.8%) than in controls. Family history of diabetes mellitus was seen in 15.6% cases and 13.6% controls. FBG levels ranged from 68mg/dl to 220mg/dl in cases, and 65mg/dl to 178mg/dl in controls, with a mean value of 123mg/dl (cases) and 115mg/dl(controls). CONCLUSION- Association of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (high fasting blood glucose levels) and skin tags was positive in our study. We should encourage patients with skin tags to get their blood glucose levels checked to rule out diabetes mellitus.   KEY WORDS- Acrochordons, Skin tags, Diabetes Mellitus