Many people mistakenly use the term “HPV skin tag” for certain growths. This article distinguishes between true skin tags and warts caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), detailing their characteristics and common locations. Understanding these differences helps identify skin changes and when to consult a healthcare professional.
Understanding “HPV Skin Tags”
HPV causes warts, not true skin tags. Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, benign (non-cancerous) skin growths. They often appear as a soft, fleshy flap attached by a small stalk, typically skin-colored or slightly darker, and range from millimeters to centimeters. These harmless growths usually occur where skin rubs, such as the neck, armpits, groin, or eyelids.
Warts, in contrast, result from Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, leading to extra cell growth in the skin’s outer layer. This viral infection creates a thicker, harder skin surface. While both are skin growths, their origins, appearances, and contagiousness differ. Warts are contagious and can spread to other body parts or people, unlike skin tags.
How HPV Warts Appear
HPV-related warts exhibit varied appearances depending on their type and location.
Common warts (verruca vulgaris) appear as rough, grainy, firm bumps with a rounded top. They range from pinhead to pea-sized and may contain small black dots, which are clotted blood vessels.
Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet, often flat or growing inward due to walking pressure. They have a thick, rough surface resembling cauliflower and can appear discolored (dark pink, yellow, brown, purple, or gray). These warts often feature small black dots, or “wart seeds,” which are dried blood clots.
Flat warts (verruca plana) are smaller, smoother, and slightly raised, flat-topped bumps. They can be skin-colored, yellowish-brown, or pinkish and often occur in large numbers, sometimes in clusters. Filiform warts have long, narrow, thread-like projections.
Genital warts, caused by specific HPV strains, appear as small, skin-colored bumps that may resemble cauliflower florets. They can be soft or firm and vary in color (white, red, skin-colored, or darker). These warts can be flat or bumpy and may occur individually or in groups.
Where HPV Warts Commonly Develop
The location of HPV warts often depends on the specific virus strain and wart type.
Common warts frequently appear on the hands, fingers, and around the nails, often in areas where the skin has been broken. They can also be found on knees and other body parts.
Plantar warts are primarily found on the soles of the feet, particularly on weight-bearing areas where pressure pushes them inward.
Flat warts can develop almost anywhere but are most common on the face, neck, legs, and hands.
Filiform warts tend to grow on the face, especially around the mouth, eyes, and nose.
Genital warts affect the moist tissues of the genital area, appearing on or around the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, and anus. They can also form in the mouth or throat, though this is less common.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Consult a healthcare professional if you are uncertain about any new skin growth or notice changes in an existing one. This includes growths that change in size, shape, or color, become painful, itchy, bleed, or do not heal within a few weeks.
A doctor can accurately diagnose the type of skin growth and rule out more serious conditions, such as skin cancer. They can also discuss appropriate treatment options if the growth is bothersome, located in a sensitive area, or causing discomfort.