This is a common skin growth that can develop on the face, neck, hands, underarms, eyelids or other parts of the body. Warts and skin tags are two such growths that people often confuse because they can look similar on first sight. They do, however, differ in their causes, appearance, means of spread and treatment options.
However, despite their innocuous nature, it is essential to recognize them first to select the proper treatment. Some growths may look like something else and must be diagnosed by a licensed dermatologist.
In case you have a new growth on your skin and would like to know what it is, perhaps you should consult Best Dermatology & Skin Hospital in Gurgaon who specializes in dermatology to explain what is going on with your skin and what treatments are available.
What Are Warts?
Warts are bumps that appear on the skin as a result of some kinds of human papillomavirus (HPV). It triggers the rapid growth of the skin surface, resulting in a formation of a visible bump.
Warts can appear on various parts of the body including hands, fingers, feet, knees and face.The appearance of a wart depends on the type of wart and its location. On the soles of the feet they may be flat or grow inward, or they can be rough on the surface.
Warts can be spread by direct skin to skin contact and, in some cases, by touching surfaces that have the virus on them. Picking or scratching a wart can also spread the virus to nearby skin.
Common Types of Warts
Common warts: These are the rough, raised bumps you see most often on your hands and fingers.
Plantar warts: Appear on the soles of the feet and may be painful when walking.
Flat warts: Small, smooth bumps that tend to cluster together and often appear on the face, hands or legs.
Filiform warts: These are thin, finger-like growths found often around the mouth, nose or eyes.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are benign, soft, little growths that hang from the skin. They are often the same color as the surrounding skin, although some may be slightly darker and are usually attached by a narrow stalk.
Skin tags often occur in areas that rub together or against clothing. They are especially common in adults and may become more visible with age.
Skin tags are not caused by a virus and are not contagious, unlike warts. They usually don't hurt but clothing, jewelry or shaving can rub against them causing irritation or bleeding.
Common Places Where Skin Tags Develop
You are most likely to develop skin tags in the following common places:
Neck and collar region
Armpit
Eyelids
Under the boobs
Groin and other folds of skin
Skin tags may be linked to factors such as friction, hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, or excess body weight and aging. But, their presence does not necessarily indicate an underlying health problem.
Warts vs. Skin Tags: What’s the Difference
Both of these conditions feature small growths on the skin, but there are a number of features that can help distinguish them.
Features | Warts | Skin Tags |
|---|---|---|
Reason | Specific types of HPV | Frequently linked with skin friction and other stuffs |
Appearance | Firm or flat, usually rough | Usually soft and smooth and hanging from the skin |
Color | Skin colored, brown or gray | Usually light or a little darker than the skin |
Common sites | Hands, feet, fingers, face | Neck, eyelids, armpits, skin creases |
Infection | Can spread to other people or other areas | Not infectious |
Unease | Can especially hurt plantar warts | Usually painless but can become irritated |
Treatments | Depending on the type and location of the wart | Irritated or unwanted may consider removal |
These differences can be helpful clues, but appearance alone does not always confirm a diagnosis. A dermatologist can look at the growth and make recommendations for what to do next.
What are the treatments for warts and skin tags?
Treatment depends on the type of skin growth, where it is located, how large it is, and whether it causes symptoms. You don't need to remove all the warts or skin tags.
Treatment of Wart
Some warts will go away on their own as the immune system fights the virus, but this can take months or longer . Others will need treatment especially if they are painful, spreading, persistent or affecting daily activities.
Common medical treatments are:
Topical Treatments: Special preparations, like salicylic acid, may help remove selected warts when used as directed.
Cryotherapy: This involves a healthcare professional freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen.
Other medical procedures: Depending on the wart, a dermatologist may suggest other procedures or prescription treatments.
Particular care should be taken when treating the eyes, face or sensitive skin. Do not use any over-the-counter wart treatments on these areas unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
Skin Tag Treatments
Skin tags usually do not need to be treated unless they become irritated, bleed repeatedly, or are cosmetically bothersome.
A dermatologist might suggest one of these procedures:
Cryotherapy: Using the right method to freeze off the skin tag.
Snip excision: Cutting off the growth with sterile medical instruments.
Electrosurgery: Removal of selected skin growths with controlled electrical energy.
The best approach depends on the size and location of your skin tag, as well as your skin and medical history.
Never try to cut, burn, tie off or remove a skin growth at home. This can lead to bleeding, infection, scarring or delay the diagnosis of another skin condition.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
Most warts and skin tags are harmless, but some skin growths need to be checked by a professional. Not every bump that’s raised is a wart or skin tag.
If a growth:
Changes in size, shape, or color very quickly.
Bleeds for no apparent reason, or forms an open sore.
Becomes painful, swollen or constantly irritated.
They show up en masse at once.
Shapes around the eyes or in sensitive areas.
Does not respond to appropriate therapy.
Medical examination can help differentiate common benign growths from other conditions needing further investigation.
Can you prevent warts and skin tags?
Warts are not always preventable, but you can reduce the chances of spreading them if you follow good habits. Don’t pick at a wart. Wash your hands after touching an affected area and don’t share personal items such as towels or nail-care tools. You can also reduce your chances of being exposed to the viruses that cause plantar warts by wearing shoes in common changing rooms and around pools.
Skin tags are not contagious, and there is no surefire way to prevent skin tags from forming.Avoid unnecessary friction, wear comfortable clothing and practice general skin health to reduce irritation. But skin tags can still form despite these steps.
By regularly checking your skin and seeking medical advice if you notice any changes that are not normal, you will be able to take the right steps to manage your skin problems.
Conclusion
Knowing the difference between warts and skin tags will help you make informed decisions about your skin health. HPV causes warts, which are contagious, but skin tags are benign and not contagious. Their treatments vary too, so it’s important to identify them correctly.
Neelkanth Hospital is one of the Best Dermatology & Skin Hospital in Gurgaon where you can get your skin concerns professionally evaluated and get the guidance on the treatment options needed. A dermatologist can look at a skin growth and discuss whether it needs to be treated and suggest a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Do not attempt to diagnose yourself or remove any new growth at home. Good, timely medical advice can help you protect your skin and safely treat any concerns.