Skin growths are common, and while most are harmless, identifying them can be uncertain. Understanding their characteristics helps in recognizing typical features and knowing when professional medical advice is beneficial.
Understanding Warts
Warts are small, rough skin growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV stimulates rapid cell growth, leading to their raised appearance. Warts often appear grainy, rough, or cauliflower-like. They may also contain tiny black dots from clotted blood vessels, sometimes called “seed warts.”
Warts can emerge in many locations. Common sites include hands, fingers, feet (plantar warts), face, knees, elbows, and genital areas. Their appearance varies, ranging from flat and smooth to raised and dome-shaped.
Understanding Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, soft, benign growths that protrude from the skin. They consist of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels, covered by epidermis. These growths are often flesh-colored or slightly darker, appearing as small, balloon-like pieces of tissue attached by a narrow stalk.
Skin tag development is linked to repeated friction, such as skin rubbing against skin or clothing. Genetic factors, age, and hormonal changes like pregnancy also play a role. Common areas include the neck, armpits, groin folds, eyelids, and beneath the breasts. They are harmless and do not cause discomfort unless irritated.
Key Distinguishing Features
Key characteristics distinguish warts from skin tags. Warts have a rough, grainy surface, often described as bumpy or cauliflower-like. In contrast, skin tags are soft and smooth to the touch, feeling pliable and often appearing as a small, pendulous flap of skin.
Warts range in color from flesh-toned to white, pink, tan, or brown, and may exhibit tiny black dots. Skin tags are flesh-colored or slightly hyperpigmented, appearing as an extension of the surrounding skin without internal spots. Warts often have a broad, flat base or an irregular shape, while skin tags commonly hang from a narrow stalk.
Their underlying cause differentiates them. Warts result from human papillomavirus infection, making them contagious. Skin tags are not viral; they are linked to mechanical friction, genetic factors, and hormonal influences. Warts can be painful, especially on pressure points like feet, and may itch or bleed if irritated. Skin tags are asymptomatic, causing discomfort only if repeatedly rubbed or snagged.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a doctor if you are uncertain about a skin growth. A healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the lesion and rule out other conditions. Also consult a doctor if you notice changes in an existing skin growth, such as an increase in size, alteration in shape, or change in color.
Pain, itching, bleeding, or inflammation in any skin growth warrant medical evaluation. The sudden appearance of multiple new growths, particularly in sensitive areas like the face or genitals, also indicates a need for professional assessment. While many growths are benign, a doctor can address concerns about potential malignancy. If a growth causes discomfort due to friction or is a cosmetic concern, a healthcare professional can discuss removal options.