Many individuals encounter skin growths that cause concern, often leading them to wonder if these lesions are warts. While warts are common, many other benign and infectious skin conditions can mimic their appearance. Understanding the distinctions between these various skin lesions and true warts can help alleviate anxiety and guide individuals on when to seek medical advice.
Benign Skin Growths Often Mistaken for Warts
Several non-cancerous and non-infectious skin growths frequently resemble warts. These typically pose no health risk but can be a cosmetic concern or cause discomfort if irritated.
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are soft, flesh-colored or slightly pigmented protrusions that often hang off the skin by a thin stalk. They commonly appear in areas where skin rubs against itself, such as the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts. These growths are generally painless unless irritated by clothing or jewelry. Unlike warts, skin tags have a smooth, soft texture and are not contagious.
Seborrheic keratoses are common benign growths that often present with a “stuck-on” appearance. They can vary in color from tan to dark brown or black and may have a waxy, scaly, or slightly rough surface. These lesions can appear anywhere, though they are frequently found on the chest, back, shoulders, and face. They tend to increase in number and size with age and are not contagious.
Moles, or nevi, are common skin growths resulting from clusters of pigment-producing cells. They can be flat or raised, and their color can range from pink, tan, or brown to black. While most moles are harmless and appear symmetrical with smooth borders, some atypical moles might have irregular shapes or varied coloration. Moles are generally not contagious and can be present at birth or develop later.
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop in response to repeated pressure or friction, most often on the feet and hands. Calluses are broader, thickened patches of skin with less defined edges, commonly found on the heels or balls of the feet. Corns are typically smaller, have a central core, and often form on or between the toes, causing pain when pressed. Unlike warts, which are caused by a virus, corns and calluses are purely mechanical skin responses and are not contagious.
Infectious Conditions Resembling Warts
Some skin conditions caused by pathogens can visually resemble warts. These conditions typically have different implications, particularly regarding contagion.
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a poxvirus, resulting in small, raised bumps. These bumps, known as mollusca, are typically firm, pearly or flesh-colored, and often feature a central dimple or indentation. They can appear anywhere, though they are common on the face, neck, arms, legs, and groin, especially in children. Molluscum contagiosum is contagious and spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact or contaminated objects. Unlike the rough, grainy texture often associated with common warts, mollusca are usually smooth and dome-shaped.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
Distinguishing skin growths can be challenging, and professional medical evaluation is often necessary for accurate diagnosis. Consult a healthcare provider if uncertain about a lesion’s identity or if it exhibits concerning changes.
Seek medical attention for any skin growth showing rapid growth, changes in size, shape, or color, or developing irregular borders. Other warning signs include bleeding, itching, pain, or a sore that does not heal. Growths located in sensitive areas or those causing discomfort should also be evaluated by a medical professional.
A healthcare provider, particularly a dermatologist, can accurately diagnose skin conditions through visual examination and, if needed, a biopsy. This is important because certain skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, can sometimes mimic benign growths or warts. Early diagnosis ensures appropriate management and treatment, especially for serious conditions.