Skin Tag vs Wart: Differences in Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Understanding Skin Conditions: Skin Tags vs Warts

Small skin growths are very common, but it's important to know the difference between non-concerning skin tags and potentially contagious warts when noticing a new bump on your body.

What are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are harmless, small tags of tissue that develop on the surface of the skin. These skin growths often form on the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, or under breasts. Skin tags have a narrow stalk which connects them to the surface of the skin.

Skin Tag Causes

Skin tags can develop on anyone, however those with folds or rub points in their skin are more susceptible. Common causative factors include:

• Obesity or sudden weight gain
• Aging skin losing collagen
• Diabetes resulting in circulatory changes
• Genetic predispositions
• Friction zones from clothing or jewelry

Skin Tag Symptoms

Skin tags themselves are usually painless, harmless, and do not cause discomfort. Typical skin tag characteristics include:

• Dangling from a stalk-like tissue
• Soft, loose skin texture
• Same color as surrounding skin
• 1mm - 5mm in size
• Oval or circular small shape

How Skin Tags Differ from Warts

While skin tags themselves are benign, it's important to distinguish skin tags from potentially contagious viral warts. Monitoring for changes is key for any new skin growths.

Causes of Warts

Warts are caused by infections in the outer skin layers from human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus causes rapid growth of skin cells leading to hard, irregular bumps forming. Over 100 types of HPV exist which is why warts can vary in shape and texture.

Common Locations for Warts

Warts frequently develop on hands and feet but other areas prone to HPV infection may also develop warts such as the face, genital region, under nails, or mouth/tongue. Plantar warts occur specifically on the soles of feet.

Appearance of Warts

Warts exhibit distinct symptoms separates them from other skin lesions like skin tags. These include:

• Rough, hard texture
• Drker than surrounding skin
• Distinct shape - often round or cauliflower-like
• Pinpoint black dots possibly visible (wart capillaries)

Discomfort Caused by Warts

While skin tags do not hurt, warts often cause pain and discomfort, especially on hands/feet were friction occurs. The pressure of walking on plantar warts can be quite painful. Warts may also bleed easily if bumped or scraped.

Treating Annoying Skin Tags

While harmless, skin tags can become irritated or bothersome. Several home remedies and medical procedures safely remove skin tags.

At-Home Skin Tag Treatment

If skin tags do not cause discomfort, no treatment is required. But various at-home methods may remove annoying skin tags.

• Tea tree oil: Helps dry out skin tag's connective tissue.
• Freezing treatments: Over-the-counter skin tag removal kits freeze tags, allowing them to eventually fall off.
• Dental floss/thread: Tightly tying thread or floss around the skin tag cuts off circulation causing it to die and slough off.

Medical Procedures for Skin Tags

For faster removal or tags in delicate facial or genital areas, see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon about medical procedures like:

• Cryosurgery: Freezing skin tags with liquid nitrogen.
• Surgical scissors/scalpel: Quickly cutting skin tag off.
• Cauterization: Burning and destroying tissue with electric current or caustic substance.
• Laser removal: Using a specialized dermatology laser to destroy skin tag.

Treating Contagious Viral Warts

Unlike skin tags, human papillomavirus (HPV) viral warts require treatment and monitoring to prevent spreading or turning cancerous in rare cases.

At-Home Wart Removal Methods

Several over-the-counter wart removal options similar to skin tag treatments show moderate effectiveness for viral warts:

• Salicylic acid: Helps peel layers of infected skin cells off warts over time.
• Duct tape occlusion: Suffocating warts may activate immune response against the HPV virus.
• Natural oils: Oils like tea tree oil may help dry out and expose wart virus.

Medical Treatments for Warts

For more stubborn warts, specialized medical procedures help destroy HPV viral particles within skin cells. Common medical wart removal techniques include:

• Cryotherapy: Freezing warts with liquid nitrogen to rupture cell membranes.
• Laser therapy: Using specialized dermatology lasers to eliminate HPV infection.
• Cauterization:Burning wart tissue away using electric current or caustic chemicals.
• Excision surgery: Cutting out entire wart including root-like strands.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

While skin tags pose no medical issues, unusual changes to any skin lesions warrant examination by a dermatologist. Monitor all growths and contact a doctor if you notice:

• Significant color changes
• Inflammation, pain, itching
• Bleeding
• Change in texture/appearance
• Growth or spreading

Skin conditions can share similar traits, so regular self-checks along with professional dermatology screenings help differentiate benign tags from concerning growths needing assessment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.