What Are Warts?
Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by
infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
They may appear
as:
- Rough, raised bumps.
- Flat lesions.
- Growths on the fingers or
hands.
- Plantar warts on the feet.
- Warts around or under the
nails.
- Genital warts.
Different types
of warts require different treatment approaches.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags
(acrochordons) are soft,
usually flesh-colored benign growths that commonly occur in areas of friction.
Common
locations include:
- Neck.
- Underarms.
- Groin.
- Eyelids.
- Under the breasts.
- Other skin-fold areas.
They are
generally harmless but may become irritated by clothing, jewelry or repeated
friction.
What Causes Warts?
Warts are
caused by certain types of HPV.
The virus can
spread through:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact.
- Contact with contaminated
surfaces in some situations.
- Self-inoculation from one area
of the body to another.
Not every
person exposed to HPV develops visible warts.
What Causes Skin Tags?
The exact cause
of skin tags is not fully understood.
They are
associated with factors such as:
- Skin friction.
- Genetics.
- Increasing age.
- Pregnancy.
- Obesity or increased skin
folds.
- Certain metabolic conditions.
Skin tags are
not generally considered contagious.
When Should a Skin
Growth Be Evaluated?
A dermatologist
should evaluate a lesion when:
- The diagnosis is uncertain.
- It is changing rapidly.
- It bleeds without clear injury.
- It becomes painful.
- It changes color or shape.
- It grows unusually quickly.
- It does not respond to expected
treatment.
- It appears in an unusual
location.
Not every
growth that looks like a wart or skin tag is actually one, so self-treatment
can sometimes delay the diagnosis of another condition.
Wart Removal Options
The appropriate
treatment depends on the type and location of the wart.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy
uses extreme cold to destroy the wart tissue.
It is commonly
used for selected common warts and other appropriate lesions.
Temporary
effects may include:
- Blistering.
- Redness.
- Swelling.
- Tenderness.
Multiple
sessions may be required.
Electrosurgery and Cautery
These
techniques use controlled electrical energy or heat to destroy the lesion.
They may be
appropriate for selected warts and other benign skin growths.
Laser Treatment
Certain laser
technologies may be used for selected resistant or difficult-to-treat warts.
The appropriate
laser depends on the lesion and clinical indication.
Topical Treatment
Some warts can
be treated with topical medications or keratolytic agents.
Treatment
selection should be based on the type and location of the wart.
Skin Tag Removal
Options
Skin tags can
often be removed during a brief dermatological procedure.
Snip Excision
The
dermatologist removes the skin tag using a sterile surgical instrument.
Electrocautery
Controlled
electrical energy is used to remove or destroy the skin tag.
Cryotherapy
Freezing can be
used for selected small skin tags.
The choice
depends on the size, location and characteristics of the lesion.
Which Treatment Is
Right for Me?
Treatment is
selected according to:
- Type of lesion.
- Size.
- Number of lesions.
- Location.
- Skin type.
- Previous treatment history.
- Medical history.
- Possibility of an alternative
diagnosis.
For example, a
small skin tag may be easily removed by snip excision, while a resistant wart
may require repeated cryotherapy or another treatment.
Who Is a Good
Candidate?
Removal may be
appropriate for patients who:
- Have a confirmed benign wart or
skin tag.
- Experience irritation or
discomfort.
- Have cosmetic concerns.
- Have lesions that repeatedly
catch on clothing or jewelry.
- Want professional removal.
Patients with
an uncertain diagnosis should undergo dermatological evaluation before
treatment.
How Is Removal
Performed?
A typical
dermatology visit may include:
1.
Examination and diagnosis.
2.
Selection of the most appropriate removal
method.
3.
Cleansing and preparation of the treatment
area.
4.
Local anesthesia when necessary.
5.
Removal or destruction of the lesion.
6.
Application of wound care or a dressing.
7.
Aftercare instructions.
The procedure
may take only a few minutes for a small number of lesions.
Preparation Before
Treatment
Your
dermatologist may review:
- Medical history.
- Blood-thinning medications.
- Allergies.
- Previous skin procedures.
- History of abnormal scarring.
- Diabetes or conditions that may
affect wound healing.
- Immune-system conditions.
Patients should
inform the doctor about all medications and supplements they are taking.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery
depends on the removal method and location.
Temporary
effects may include:
- Redness.
- Swelling.
- Tenderness.
- Crusting.
- A small scab.
- Temporary changes in skin
color.
After
treatment, patients are generally advised to:
- Keep the area clean.
- Avoid picking or scratching the
treated area.
- Follow wound-care instructions.
- Protect the area from excessive
sun exposure.
- Use prescribed topical products
when appropriate.
Healing can
take several days to a few weeks depending on the procedure.
Possible Risks and
Complications
Potential risks
include:
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Scarring.
- Changes in pigmentation.
- Recurrence of the lesion.
- Incomplete removal.
- Delayed wound healing.
Warts may recur
because HPV can remain in surrounding skin even after visible tissue has been
removed.
Patients with
darker skin tones may have a higher risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation
changes after some removal procedures.
A Message to Our
Patients
Wart and skin
tag removal is a common
dermatological procedure that can provide both cosmetic and functional
benefits.
Because
different skin growths can look similar, professional diagnosis should come
before removal.
Our
dermatologists assess the lesion and select the most appropriate treatment,
which may include cryotherapy, electrosurgery, cautery, snip excision, topical
treatment or other techniques depending on the diagnosis.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Are warts and skin tags the same thing?
No. Warts are
generally caused by HPV, while skin tags are benign soft growths associated
mainly with friction and other individual factors.
Are skin tags dangerous?
Most skin tags
are harmless. However, any lesion with an uncertain diagnosis, rapid change or
unusual features should be assessed by a dermatologist.
Are warts contagious?
Yes. Warts
caused by HPV can spread through direct or indirect contact.
Can I remove a skin tag at home?
It is safer to
have a dermatologist confirm the diagnosis and remove it using an appropriate
method. Home removal can cause bleeding, infection, scarring or treatment of
the wrong type of lesion.
How are warts removed?
Depending on
the type and location, options may include cryotherapy, topical treatment,
electrosurgery, cautery or selected laser treatments.
How are skin tags removed?
Common methods
include snip excision, electrocautery and cryotherapy.
Is wart removal painful?
Some treatments
can cause brief discomfort. Local anesthesia may be used when appropriate.
Will a wart come back after removal?
Yes, recurrence
is possible because HPV may remain in the surrounding skin.
Will a skin tag grow back after removal?
The same skin
tag generally does not return after complete removal, although new skin tags
can develop in the same general area.
Does removal leave a scar?
Some procedures
can leave a small scar or temporary pigmentation change. The risk depends on
the technique, lesion size, location and individual healing.
Can genital warts be treated the same way as
common warts?
No. Genital
warts require specific medical assessment and treatment because of their
location, transmission potential and relationship to certain HPV types.
How long does healing take?
Small treatment
sites often heal within days to a few weeks, depending on the removal method
and individual healing.
When should I see a dermatologist?
Seek evaluation for a new
or changing growth, a lesion that bleeds or becomes painful, an unusual growth,
or any lesion that you are unsure how to diagnose.