Warts, SkinTags and Skin Growths

What Are Warts?

Viral warts are small, raised (papular) lesios on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Though they are most commonly found on the hands, feet, and face, they can occur anywhere on the body including scalp, around nails, mucosa. Warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact with the wart or with surfaces that have come into contact with the wart.

Types of Warts

Types of Warts

Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris): These are the most prevalent type of warts, often appearing on the fingers, hands, and knees. They are usually rough, raised, and have a grainy texture.
Plantar Warts: Found on the soles of the feet, plantar warts grow into the skin rather than out of it, making them particularly painful, especially when walking. They may often be confused for corns,
Flat Warts (Verruca Plana): These warts are smoother and flatter than common warts and tend to appear in large numbers. They are often found on the face, neck, and the back of the hands.
Filiform Warts: These warts are long and narrow, often resembling a finger like shape. They typically appear on the face, particularly around the mouth, eyes, and nose.
Periungual Warts: These warts develop around the nails, both on the fingers and toes. They can be painful and may affect nail growth.

Causes of Warts

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus with over 100 different strains. Not all strains of HPV cause warts, and the virus is spread through direct contact with the skin of an infected person or contaminated surfaces.

There are some factors that increase the risk of developing warts, including:

Weak Immune System: People who have weak immune systems are more prone to HPV infections.
Age: Warts are more common in children and teenagers, although they can affect people of all ages.
Skin Injuries: Broken skin can provide an entry point for the virus, leading to the development of warts.
Public Showers and Pools: These environments are often breeding grounds for the HPV virus, making it easier to contract warts.

Diagnosis of Warts

Diagnosing warts is typically straightforward and can often be done with a visual examination. However, in some cases, the dermatologist may perform a biopsy to rule out other skin conditions. This involves taking a small sample of the wart for laboratory analysis.

Darlene Robertson

Plastic Surgery Doctor

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Devon Lane

Plastic Surgery Doctor

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Kristin Watson

Plastic Surgery Doctor

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Esther Howard

Plastic Surgery Doctor

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What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags, or acrochordons, are small, soft, flesh-colored growths that hang off the skin. Unlike warts, skin tags are not caused by a virus and are not contagious. They are generally harmless and often go unnoticed unless they are located in an area where they are subject to friction or cosmetic concern.

Characteristics of Skin Tags

Skin tags are usually:

Small and Soft: They are typically less than a few millimeters in size, though some can grow larger.
Pedunculated: Skin tags often hang off the skin by a thin stalk, making them easy to move.
Painless: They generally do not cause pain unless irritated by rubbing against clothing or jewelry.
Non-Cancerous: Skin tags are benign and do not pose any cancer risk.

Causes of Skin Tags

The exact cause of skin tags is not well understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development:

Friction: Skin tags often develop in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts.
Age: Skin tags are more common as people get older.
Genetics: There may be a hereditary component, as skin tags often run in families.
Obesity: Overweight individuals are more prone to developing skin tags due to increased skin friction.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk for skin tags, though the exact reason for this is unclear.

Diagnosis of Skin Tags

Skin tags are usually identified by how they look and where they are located. A dermatologist can typically identify a skin tag through a simple visual examination. In rare cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions.

Treatment Options for Warts

Warts often disappear on their own over time, but many people seek treatment to remove them more quickly or because they cause discomfort or cosmetic concern. At our clinic, we offer several treatment options, each tailored to the type and location of the wart, as well as the patient’s preferences.

Electrosurgery and Curettage

Electrosurgery involves burning the wart with an electrical current, followed by curettage, which involves scraping the wart off with a sharp instrument. This method is normally used for larger warts or ones that haven’t improved with other treatments.

Advantages of Electrosurgery and Curettage:

Effective for Resistant Warts: This method is useful for warts that are difficult to treat.
Immediate Results: The wart is removed during the procedure.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment uses a focused beam of light to destroy the wart tissue. It is often used for warts that are resistant to other forms of treatment or are in difficult-to-reach areas.

Advantages of Laser Treatment:

Precision: The laser can target the wart precisely, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
Effective for Stubborn Warts: Laser treatment is often successful for warts that haven’t responded to other treatments.

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments are medicines that you put directly on the skin tag or wart. These treatments are usually used for smaller warts and can be done at home or in the clinic.

Types of Topical Treatments:

Salicylic Acid: This is the most common topical treatment for warts. It works by gradually removing the wart tissue.
Imiquimod: This immune response modifier helps the body fight the HPV virus that causes warts.

Advantages of Topical Treatments:

Non-Invasive: Topical treatments do not involve surgery or invasive procedures.
Convenient: Some treatments can be done at home.

Disadvantages of Topical Treatments:

Time-Consuming: These treatments can take weeks or even months to fully remove the wart.
Less Effective for Larger Warts: Topical treatments may not work as well on larger or more deeply rooted warts.

Treatment Options for Skin Tags

While skin tags are benign and often don’t require treatment, many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or if they become irritated. Our clinic offers several safe and effective methods for removing skin tags.

Excision

Excision involves the removal of the skin tag using a sterile surgical scalpel or scissors. This method is quick and often done in one session.

Advantages of Excision:

Immediate Results: The skin tag is removed during the procedure.
Minimal Downtime: The patient can resume normal activities immediately.

Electrosurgery

Electrosurgery uses an electric current to burn off the skin tag. This method is particularly effective for larger or more difficult-to-remove skin tags.

Advantages of Electrosurgery:

Effective: Electrosurgery can remove even stubborn skin tags.
Quick Recovery: The recovery time is usually short, with minimal discomfort.

Ligation

Ligation involves cutting off the blood supply to the skin tag by tying it off with a surgical thread. Without blood, the skin tag eventually falls off.

Advantages of Ligation:

Non-Invasive: No cutting or burning is involved.
Effective for Smaller Tags: Ligation works well for small to medium-sized skin tags.

Aftercare and Prevention

After treatment for warts or skin tags, proper aftercare is essential to ensure optimal healing and prevent recurrence. Here are some essential tips for post-treatment care for your skin:

Aftercare Tips

Keep the Area Clean: Wash the treated area gently with soap and water to prevent infection.
Avoid Picking: Do not pick at scabs or healing skin, as this can lead to scarring.
Protect from Sunlight: Use sunscreen on the treated area to prevent discoloration.
Follow Up: Attend any recommended follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

Prevention of Warts

Although you can’t always prevent warts, you can still lower the risk by:

Avoiding Direct Contact: Do not touch warts on other people or share personal items like towels.
Wearing Footwear in Public Areas: Use flip-flops or shoes in public showers, pools, and locker rooms.
Maintaining Healthy Skin: Keep your skin moisturized and avoid biting your nails or cuticles.

Prevention of Skin Tags

Preventing skin tags is more challenging, as they are often related to genetics and other factors beyond your control. However, you can reduce the likelihood of developing skin tags by:

Reducing Friction: Wear loose-fitting clothing to minimize skin friction.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight: This can reduce the risk of skin tags related to obesity.
Regular Skin Checks: Monitor your skin for any new growths and consult a dermatologist if you notice changes.

FAQs

1. Are skin tags dangerous?

No, skin tags are generally harmless and do not cause any pain. However, they can be bothersome if they catch on clothing or jewelry. If a skin tag becomes irritated or changes in appearance, it’s best to consult a dermatologist.

2. Do skin tags grow back after removal?

Once a skin tag is carefully removed, there is no chance of it growing back in the same spot. However, new skin tags may occur in other areas over time.

3. Are warts contagious?

Yes, warts are contagious and can be spread through direct contact with the wart or with surfaces that have come into contact with the virus, such as towels or shoes. It’s important to avoid touching warts and to wash hands frequently.

Conclusion

Warts and skin tags, while generally harmless, can be a source of discomfort and cosmetic concern. At our dermatology clinic, we offer a variety of effective treatment options to remove these skin growths and help you achieve healthy, clear skin. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn warts or bothersome skin tags, our experienced dermatologists are here to provide personalized care and treatment tailored to your needs.

Don’t let warts and skin tags affect your confidence or comfort—contact our clinic today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward smoother, healthier skin.