Evaluating the Efficacy of Siddha Pharmacotherapy for Acrochordon: A Case Report

Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are harmless growths of the epidermis that commonly develop in areas where the skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. While usually asymptomatic, these lesions can cause discomfort from rubbing or cosmetic issues. They are more prevalent in middle-aged and older individuals and are often correlated with conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance. The need for more specific treatment options for skin tags poses a significant challenge for healthcare providers, especially since the current methods, including electrodesiccation, laser therapy, cryotherapy, and surgical removal, are often expensive. However, Siddha medicine offers a potential alternative and cost-effective approach. This report involves a 40-year-old male with a hefty, stalk-like, soft, flesh-toned, painless, movable, single-skin tag that had persisted for six years. Dermatological examination revealed a prominent acrochordon on the anterolateral aspect of the upper right thigh, measuring approximately 8 cm in diameter. Treatment involved applying the Siddha medicine Pachaieruvai externally for five consecutive days. During this period, the patient experienced mild pain, burning, slight redness, and localized swelling at the application site. These temporary symptoms lasted about an hour during and after each application but subsided within 24 hours after the application of coconut oil. The discomfort, redness, and swelling observed during the intervention were considered positive indicators of lesion regression. A follow-up assessment two weeks post-treatment showed significant clinical improvement. No adverse effects or recurrence were reported at subsequent follow-ups, suggesting that Siddha pharmacotherapy can be a viable alternative treatment for acrochordons.