What are skin tags? Are they different from warts?
Skin tags are small, skin-colored growths that can vary in size, ranging from 1 mm to about 5 cm. They are usually attached to the skin by a thin stalk. Typically painless, if a skin tag becomes painful, it’s important to consult a doctor. In some cases, they may appear like threads, known as filiform skin tags. Unlike warts, which are often caused by HPV and can spread, skin tags are not contagious and do not spread across the body.
Below is the difference between warts and skin tags.
HTML Table Generator
| Feature |
Warts |
Skin tags |
| Cause |
Human papillomavirus (HPV), contagious |
Skin friction, obesity, hormonal changes, diabetes |
| Appearance |
Rough, hard, and grainy surface; may have black dots |
Soft, smooth, and flesh-colored |
| Shape & Texture |
Flat, dome-shaped, or raised with irregular texture |
Round or oval, soft, and attached by a thin stalk
|
| Color |
Flesh-colored, white, pink, or brown |
Flesh-colored or slightly darker
|
Spread
|
Can spread to other areas or people
|
Do not spread or multiply
|
Common Locations
|
Hands, feet (plantar warts), around nails, face
|
Neck, underarms, groin, eyelids, under breasts
|
| Pain & Discomfort |
Can cause pain, especially plantar warts on feet
|
Usually painless, unless irritated by friction
|
| Growth Pattern |
Can appear in clusters, spreading over time
|
Each tag grows independently
|
Risk of Cancer
|
Rarely, some types of warts may become cancerous
|
Benign, no risk of turning cancerous
|
Treatment Need
|
Often requires treatment due to contagion or discomfort
|
Often removed for cosmetic reasons or irritation
|
Why do people get skin tags?
Skin friction: Friction from skin rubbing against skin, as mentioned by the American Association of Dermatology, is one of the most common reasons for skin tags. This is why skin tags on neck, underarms, groin, and other areas are so common.
- Obesity and overweight: Excess weight increases skin friction, making overweight individuals more susceptible to skin tag formation.
- Diabetes and metabolic syndrome: People with diabetes are at higher risk due to the body’s increased insulin production, which promotes tissue growth, contributing to skin tags.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and other hormonal shifts can also lead to skin tag development.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): Some types of HPV have been linked to the growth of skin tags.
What are rectal or anal skin tags?
Rectal skin tags or anal tags are small, benign growths that occur around the anus. These may be confused with conditions like hemorrhoids. Though harmless, they can cause discomfort, particularly during bowel movements. For those experiencing discomfort with anal skin tags, professional removal is recommended, as removing them at home can lead to bleeding and infection.
What are vaginal skin tags and how are they treated?
Vaginal skin tags or skin tags in the vulva area are benign growths in sensitive regions. While they are harmless, many women seek treatment for aesthetic reasons or due to irritation. For skin tag removal in the vaginal area, professional treatments such as laser skin tag removal or cautery are effective and safe, minimizing the risk of scarring.
“Anogenital skin tags, that skin tags on genitals are more often warts caused by HPV infection rather than skin tags. It is important that you consult our doctor and ascertain whether this is a wart or a tag for proper diagnosis and treatment”
How to prevent skin tags from forming or growing?
To avoid the growth of skin tags:
- Reduce skin friction by wearing loose, breathable clothes.
- Maintain a healthy weight to prevent body parts from rubbing against each other.
- Manage diabetes or other metabolic conditions to control blood sugar and insulin levels, which can impact the formation of skin tags.
The risk of skin tags will be higher in Trivandrum and Kerala due to relatively higher prevalence of diabetes and obesity compared to the national average.
Also Kerala has a more humid weather, which can lead to more sweating and friction, increasing the risk of skin tags in Kerala.
Do skin tags spread like warts?
Unlike warts, skin tags do not spread. Each skin tag forms independently and is not caused by a virus, so they don’t multiply on their own.
Can skin tags become cancerous?
Skin tags are non-cancerous. However, it’s essential to differentiate them from conditions like skin cancer, especially if the skin tag changes in color, shape, or size.
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