Skin tags and warts are common skin growths that often lead to confusion. While both are generally harmless, they are distinct dermatological conditions with different causes and characteristics. Understanding their specific features can help in proper identification and deciding when professional medical advice is appropriate. This article clarifies the differences between skin tags and warts and how to distinguish them.
Understanding Skin Tags
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, noncancerous growths that typically match the skin’s color or are slightly darker. They often appear as a small flap of tissue extending from the skin, sometimes attached by a thin stalk. Most skin tags measure between 1-5 millimeters, though some can grow larger. These growths commonly form in areas where skin rubs against itself, such as the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, under the breasts, or on the genitals.
The exact cause of skin tags is not fully understood, but they are believed to result from the body producing extra cells in the skin’s top layers. Factors increasing their likelihood include genetics, age, obesity, diabetes, and hormonal changes during pregnancy. Their prevalence increases after midlife. Skin tags do not usually cause symptoms unless irritated by clothing, jewelry, or shaving, which can lead to discomfort or bleeding.
Understanding Warts
Warts are skin growths caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus enters the skin, often through small cuts or abrasions, leading to an overgrowth of cells and the formation of a wart. Warts present as rough, grainy, or bumpy lesions, sometimes with small black dots (clotted blood vessels). They can appear on various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, face, and genitals.
Warts are contagious and can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or indirectly via shared objects. It can take several months for a wart to become visible after exposure to the virus. Many types of warts exist, each caused by different HPV strains and often appearing in specific locations. Common warts are found on hands, plantar warts on the soles of feet, and flat warts can develop anywhere. Warts can sometimes be painful, itchy, or bleed, particularly if on pressure points.
How to Tell Them Apart
Distinguishing between skin tags and warts involves observing several key characteristics, as their underlying causes and physical appearances differ. Skin tags are soft, smooth, and typically hang from the skin by a narrow stalk, resembling a small balloon on a stick. They are non-contagious and arise primarily from friction, genetics, or certain health conditions. Skin tags commonly form in skin folds like the neck or armpits.
In contrast, warts are caused by the human papillomavirus and are contagious. Their texture is rough, grainy, or bumpy, sometimes described as cauliflower-like, and they may have tiny black dots on their surface. Warts have a broad base and are more firmly attached to the skin, rather than hanging. Warts more frequently appear on hands, feet, and areas prone to cuts.
Skin tags generally do not cause symptoms unless irritated. Warts, however, can sometimes be painful, especially plantar warts on the feet due to pressure, or they may itch or bleed. The presence of a stalk, softness to the touch, and lack of contagiousness are strong indicators of a skin tag, while a rough, firm texture and potential for spread suggest a wart.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many skin tags and warts are benign and may not require removal, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable in specific situations. Seek medical evaluation if a skin growth changes in size, shape, or color, or if it starts to bleed, itch, or become painful. These changes could indicate an underlying issue requiring professional assessment, as some skin conditions, including certain types of skin cancer, can resemble benign growths.
Consult a doctor if uncertain about the growth’s identity. A dermatologist can diagnose and recommend treatment. If a growth is bothersome due to location, irritation, or cosmetic reasons, a healthcare provider can discuss safe removal. Common methods include cryotherapy (freezing), excision (cutting), electrocautery (burning), or laser treatments. Self-treatment is not recommended due to risks of misdiagnosis, infection, scarring, or incomplete removal.