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Skin Tags & Warts Differences

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Many people might be confused about the difference between a skin tag and a wart as they are they both start as small and benign bumps or growths on the skin.  They are similar in that they are both harmless, very common and can be a nuisance or cause embarrassment to the person who has one or other of these skin conditions.

But there are definite differences.

Skin Tags

These tags are small pieces of skin hanging off the skin but are actually attached. They are usually irregular and bumpy in appearance with a fleshy color or darker skin color. Skin tags are very common (particularly in middle age) and can very in color and size but when they first appear as small flaps, they all look the same.  It is only as they grow larger, that they can take on different shapes and sizes.  Their scientific name for skin tags is acrochordon and skin tags are more likely to appear on the eyelids, groin area and neck although they can occur anywhere on the body particularly in the skin folds.

There is no known cause of skin tags as they are not the result of a virus like warts but contributing factors include ageing, diabetes, pregnancy and obesity. They are not contagious.

Warts

These are more cylindrical and have a different texture when compared to skin tags.  Warts also come in different colors – white, pink or deeper - and can be single or clustered together.  Warts are small white or red bumps that can either be raised or flat, often described as looking like small cauliflowers. They are caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV   -   from well over 100 different strains of the virus.  

Warts can be a nuisance but they are not painful except in the case of plantar warts on the foot or feet.  Warts usually appear on the hands, feet and sometimes the face. While they are considered to be infectious, they are not dangerous or life threatening. However, certain body warts in the genital area should receive immediate treatment as they can be particularly contagious and transmitted during sexual activity through skin-on-skin contact.

Treatment

Both skin tags and warts can be  treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Your doctor may even suggest surgery or other similar methods to remove them. However, many prefer to go a more natural route and both skin tags and warts (wherever they are located) can be treated naturally with a healing natural oils product – one for all types of warts and a different formula for skin tags - ensuring a 100% natural, safe and gentle healing process with no pain, no burning and no scarring.  The earlier both skin tags and warts are treated, the quicker the treatment will work.