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Keeping flawless skin is a serious challenge, especially with unexpected skin growths like skin tags and warts. Surprisingly many people don’t know the difference between the two which leads to one of two major problems – Worrying unnecessarily or getting the wrong treatment.
Ever notice that tiny soft growths that seem to pop out and hang out on the skin? Those are skin tags. On the other hand, the rough and raised bumps on your skin are warts. The latter can show up anywhere on the body and can be around for a while.
Skin tags occur when skin rubs against skin or other material like clothing frequently. It can occur in places like the groin, armpits, and neck. Conversely, warts occur due to human papillomavirus, most commonly referred to as HPV by medical professionals. They can vary in appearance depending on their type and location.
Whether you seek treatment or a cosmetic solution, knowing the difference between the two and skin cancer can help. Let us help you understand skin tags and warts in more detail to get the right treatment from medical professionals.
We went over the basic differentiation of skin tags and warts earlier. Skin tags are often small benign skin growths that comprise fat cells and nerves. Warts are rough and raised growths on the skin that occur due to a variety of reasons (discussed later in the article). Below we will discuss the appearance, composition, types, common locations, and composition of skin tags and warts.
The medical name for skin tags is “acrochordons”, which are small and soft skin growths. They are mostly benign and don’t indicate a serious health concern. They’re typically a few millimeters and are made up of nerve cells and fat cells (adipocytes). Then, they are covered with the outer layer of the skin, also known as the epidermis.
Skin tags contain loose collagen fibers and blood vessels which is why they are flesh-colored most of the time. That is why they appear flesh-colored. Though they can also be slightly darker sometimes. However, they are non-cancerous and do not cause pain or discomfort unless friction or harsh clothing material causes irritation.
Skin tags protrude from the skin. They typically hang from the skin as short and narrow stalk. Moreover, their peduncle and stalk-like structure is what will make it easier for you to distinguish them from warts or moles.
These typically occur on different areas of the body that are prone to friction with the skin or clothing. These areas include the neck, groin, and armpits. They can also appear under the breasts and eyelids. Since these regions are prone to friction, it increases the change of skin tag formation.
As mentioned earlier, warts are rough and slightly raised skin growths. They are often hard to the touch and are a sign of the human papillomavirus (HPV), according to an NCBI study. Different wart types have different appearances which also depends on their location on the body.
They generally have a rough and raised texture. Unlike skin tags, they sometimes contain black dots which are clotted blood vessels inside them. Warts can appear on different parts of the body, like the hands, feet, face, knees, or genital area.
Since there are several types of warts, each tends to appear in specific locations. The type depends on factors like the HPV strain and exposure. Here are some of them:
HPV infections occur when the HPV strain gets into the body through skin breaks or cuts. Depending on the HPV strain and its exposure, a person could experience any of the abovementioned wart types. Each wart type requires a particular treatment approach, which is why it is necessary to differentiate between them.
Instead of getting worried, we advise that you learn about the different types of skin tags and warts to know which one you might have. It will help you find the correct treatment option and practice skincare according to your needs.
Since there are numerous types of warts, some of them as discussed earlier, different types of skin tags exist as well. The treatment for a wart or skin tag will depend on its location and characteristics.
This is because you’ll first seek medical consultation where a professional will identify which type of skin tag or wart you have. Then, they will choose a treatment method that addresses its cause and effects like pain or discomfort.
If you want to learn about different types of skin tags and warts in a bit more detail, keep on reading. Otherwise, you can skip to the next part of this comprehensive article where we discuss the causes behind skin tags and warts.
You should know that distinguishing skin tags can be slightly more difficult than warts. This is because most of them share similar characteristics and appearance. That said, you can still differentiate them based on the following information.
The pedunculated skin tags are attached to the skin through a peduncle or thin stalk. These types of skin tags hang from the skin. Moreover, they vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters in size. You will most commonly discover pedunculated skin tags around areas like the eyelids, groin, armpits, and neck.
The sessile skin tags have a broader base and don’t usually have a stalk or peduncle. They are more flattened than the pedunculated skin tags. Furthermore, they vary in size as well and usually match the surrounding skin tone where they occur. These tags are common in the same areas like the neck, groin, armpit, and eyelid. However, their removal often requires different techniques.
We already shared with you that HPV strains and exposure are two influencing factors behind the manifestation of different warts. However, it still makes sense to learn about the different types in a little more detail.
Why? First, because one of them has sub-types and second, a little more detail will help you identify them accurately to get the right treatment.
You already know that common warts have a rough and grainy texture. They most commonly appear on the fingers, hands, and knees. Moreover, they vary in size and appearance. However, it would help you identify by knowing that they more commonly have a cauliflower-like appearance because of an irregular surface.
The flat warts are much smaller and smoother than other wart types. They have a flat-top surface and often occur in large numbers across the thighs, arms, and face. Surprisingly, their cluster-like presence can be difficult to notice at first glance at those locations on the body.
These warts appear on the soles of the feet and grow inward. The inward growth is due to the pressure from walking or other physical activities that involve the feet. Even standing for long hours may cause plantar warts which are discomforting and painful. They are identifiable through their location and the callused skin which usually covers the plantar warts.
This sub-type of plantar warts is tender and more deep-seated. The most important thing to know is that the Myrmecial-type plantar wart occurs due to HPV type 1. Moreover, its depth and location in the foot can make treatment more challenging.
These warts often appear in large numbers on the soles of the feet. They form a mosaic-like pattern and are due to HPV type 2. However, they are fairly easy to treat than Myrmecial-type warts because of their shallowness.
One of the most common types of warts is the long and narrow filiform warts. They are more common on the face than any other part of the body. These warts grow particularly around the eyes, nose, and mouth area. Moreover, they protrude slightly from the skin surface and are noticeable because of their thread-like shape.
The periungual warts grow around and under the fingernails or toenails. They are often painful and distort the nail without proper treatment. In addition, they also affect the growth and appearance of the nails.
Skin tags and warts can occur due to a number of reasons. While HPV is the main cause of warts, there are several other factors that increase the risk of developing them. On the opposite side, skin tags can also occur due to several reasons other than friction with the skin or clothing.
But why is it important to know the cause behind a skin tag or wart? You will have to know what causes the skin tag or wart in the first place to find the right treatment and preventive care. It can also highlight underlying medical issues that may require expert medical care.
The main cause of skin tags is friction. When skin surfaces rub against each other or if skin and clothing generate friction, it can lead to skin tags. We already know which areas are common sites for skin tags (under the breasts, groin, and neck) so you can practice preventive care and good hygiene.
Additionally, several risk factors increase the likelihood of skin tag formation on the skin. They include:
Excess body weight can easily lead to skin tags because the skin folds increase as a result of fat buildup. This causes friction between skin surfaces and thus, skin tags occur.
A study found a link between a higher risk for diabetes and skin tags. A 2015 study confirmed this as well. Moreover, a recent study suggested that skin tags indicate a higher cholesterol level in people with type-2 diabetes. Skin tags due to diabetes result from insulin resistance and hormonal changes.
The hormonal changes during pregnancy also increase the risk of developing skin tags around the body, particularly in areas that experience friction
Lastly, if skin tags are a common occurrence in your family, then you’re more likely to develop skin tags. Although they are benign and non-cancerous, you can practice overall hygiene to reduce the chances of their formation.
The leading cause of warts is the human papillomavirus which is a viral infection, according to Mayo Clinic. Although there are several variants of HPV strains, only a few cause warts. These few can lead to warm formation on the skin due to several risk factors. Moreover, each type of wart depicts different characteristics and appearance.
During an HPV infection, the virus affects the top layer of the skin and causes rapid growth of cells. This leads to the formation of warts. The most common types of warts are genital warts (also caused by Sexually Transmitted Infections), plantar warts, and common warts.
Another cause of warts is that they are highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person. If a person with HPV touches an object, they risk spreading it to someone else.
This is more like a risk factor that increases a person’s susceptibility to HPV infection and the subsequent wart formation. Individuals with a weak immune system are more vulnerable to HPV and could experience wart formation.
Also, a risk factor is that open cuts or abrasions increase the chances of HPV entry into the body. Consequently, it increases the risk of developing warts.
Eczema or psoriasis are common skin conditions that weaken the skin barrier. As a result, it makes an individual more prone to HPV infections and warts.
Both skin growths have varying symptoms and complications which can make it easier or more difficult to distinguish them.
They are usually asymptomatic as they do not cause any pain or discomfort. The most common indicator of skin tags is visual identification. However, if they catch onto accessories or clothing, they can get irritated and cause these symptoms (rarely):
Warts have a range of symptoms and potential complications. The signs can vary depending on the type of warts. They may bleed when scratched repeatedly, including other symptoms as below:
The complications include contagiousness and persistence. They can spread easily through direct contact whether during social interactions or sexual activities.
In most cases, a clinical examination by a skin doctor can easily diagnose skin tags and warts. However, these examinations could involve one or multiple procedures depending to determine the nature or cause of the growth.
A healthcare provider usually conducts a visual inspection to determine the features of skin tags and categorize them to choose a suitable treatment option. In rare cases, a biopsy might help a medical professional detect signs of unusual growth or underlying causes.
Similar to skin tags, an expert conducts visual inspection or biopsies (also rare) to determine the cause and features of wart formation. Some professionals advise gentle scraping to gather cells off the wart’s surface for microscopic examination.
We discussed the various factors that cause skin tags and warts. It is crucial to understand that the location and type of these skin growths affect how you get skin tags treated. We advise consulting a medical expert or your primary healthcare provider to choose an appropriate treatment option for skin tags or warts.
While they are generally harmless, we know that having skin tags can be extremely unpleasant for some people. Besides, it indicates poor skin hygiene – even if you practice it as a daily routine! You can choose from the following treatment options to remove skin tags.
A healthcare provider like a certified dermatologist might suggest procedures like cryotherapy or cauterization for removing skin tags. If required, they may suggest surgical excision, where they remove it using a scalpel. These procedures are usually quick and cause minimal scarring.
You can go for over-the-counter products to get rid of unpleasant skin tags. However, they rarely lead to complete removal and there’s a risk of irritation as well. So, talk to your healthcare provider or discuss your needs with a dermatologist.
The treatment of warts will depend on the wart type and its location. Some warts are easier to remove using scalpels and a little bit of numbing cream. Meanwhile, others require immunotherapy and laser treatment to destroy the wart tissue.
The healthcare providers may suggest freezing the wart using liquid nitrogen. It turns the wart into a blister and it falls off. That’s called cryotherapy (also applicable for skin tags).
The professional might suggest laser treatment to burn and destroy the wart tissue or immunotherapy to combat the HPV infection which is leading to increased wart formation.
Surgical removal using local anesthesia and a scalpel can take care of stubborn and larger warts easily.
Several home remedies like applying salicylic acid or duct tape can gradually peel away warts in layers. While these are also effective ways to get rid of warts, they can take some time – like a couple of weeks or even months for complete removal!
You will have to discuss preventive measures with your healthcare provider or dermatologist post-treatment. It will minimize the future occurrence of these skin growth issues and improve overall aesthetics with improved hygiene.
The most common strategy to prevent skin tags is to minimize skin friction by losing weight and wearing loose-fitting clothes. Don’t worry, you don’t have to stop wearing accessories. Just make sure you take them off at regular intervals.
These also include physical activity materials like goggles, caps, or rings. Furthermore, you can discuss with your healthcare provider how to manage underlying causes like diabetes to prevent skin tags.
As a rule of thumb, you will have to avoid direct contact with the warts to prevent their spread on your own body or to someone else. But if you don’t have HPV or warts, it is best to avoid direct contact with someone who does.
You can practice regular hand washing, avoiding contaminated surfaces, and refrain from touching other people’s warts as good hygiene practices. You can use gloves or footwear in public places to reduce the risk of HPV and warts.
Note, that genital warts occur due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well. You should practice safe sex by using condoms or other preventive care techniques to reduce the risk of transmission.
Now that you know the characteristics and everything else about skin tags and warts, it will be easier for you to distinguish between them. Skin tags are benign skin growths that occur due to genetic factors or friction with the skin and clothing. Likewise, warts occur due to HPV, which is a viral infection. They have multiple types, each one with different characteristics and appearance that often require varying treatments.
You can prevent common skin growth issues like these through preventive. Furthermore, HPV infections could be serious and might require expert medical treatment. With proper hygiene and skin care, you can prevent these common issues for healthy and glowing skin.
Ready for a team of experts to help you with your aesthetic goals and wellness needs? Contact the team at and schedule a consultation to resolve skin tag or wart issues today.
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