Skin tags are soft, smooth flaps of skin attached by a thin stalk, common on the neck, underarms, and eyelids. Warts are rough, firm growths caused by a common virus, often on the hands and feet. Skin tags are usually snipped off after numbing, while warts are often frozen with liquid nitrogen and may need more than one treatment.
Skin tags are soft, smooth flaps of skin that hang from a thin stalk, while warts are rough, firm growths caused by a common virus. Both are usually harmless, but they look, feel, and are treated differently. In the office, skin tags are often removed with a quick snip after numbing, and warts are often treated by freezing them with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).
How to tell them apart
Skin tags
- Soft, flesh colored or slightly darker, and smooth
- Hang from the skin on a narrow stalk
- Common on the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, and under the breasts
- More common with age, weight gain, and diabetes
- Not contagious
Warts
- Rough, raised, and firm, sometimes with tiny dark dots
- Sit flat against the skin or slightly raised; on the soles of the feet they can grow inward
- Common on the hands, fingers, and feet
- Caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and can spread with contact
When to have a spot checked
Most skin tags and warts are harmless. Have a growth checked if it:
- Is changing in size, shape, or color
- Bleeds, itches, or becomes painful
- Looks different from your other spots
- Appears on the face or genitals
- Keeps coming back after treatment
Some skin cancers can look like harmless growths, which is why an exam comes first. Your provider may recommend a skin biopsy for anything unusual.
How skin tags are removed
After the area is cleaned and numbed when needed, a skin tag is usually snipped off at its base with sterile scissors or a small blade. Very small tags may be frozen or cauterized instead. Removal is quick, and a small bandage covers the spot.
How warts are treated
Cryotherapy freezes the wart with liquid nitrogen. It stings for a short time, and a blister may form over the next day. The wart usually falls off within one to three weeks. Many warts need two or more treatments a few weeks apart. Other options include scraping and light cautery for stubborn warts.
Aftercare
Keep the area clean and covered as instructed. Avoid picking at blisters or scabs. Call the office for spreading redness, warmth, pus, or fever.
Our minor skin procedures include skin tag removal, wart removal, and cryotherapy at both our Hudson and Trinity offices. New patients age 18 and older are welcome. Appointment availability is determined by the office.
Frequently asked questions
Do skin tags grow back after removal?
A removed skin tag usually does not come back, but new tags can form in other places over time.
Why do warts sometimes need more than one treatment?
The virus can live in deeper layers of skin, so repeat treatments a few weeks apart are often needed.
Can I remove a skin tag at home?
It is best not to. Home removal can cause bleeding and infection, and an exam makes sure the spot is really a skin tag.
This content is provided for general educational information and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical needs and treatment options vary from person to person. If you have questions about your health or whether a service may be appropriate for you, contact Internal Medicine MD to speak with a member of the care team or schedule an appointment with a qualified medical provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
