Warts and skin tags are common benign skin growths that, while usually harmless, can be cosmetically unappealing or cause discomfort due to friction or irritation. Despite both being non-cancerous, they have distinct causes, characteristics, and treatment approaches.
What are Warts?
Warts are rough, raised skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Warts commonly appear on the hands, feet, face, and other areas. Several types of warts exist:
- Common Warts — usually on fingers or hands.
- Plantar Warts — on the soles of the feet, often painful.
- Flat Warts — smooth, flat-topped, and smaller; often on the face or legs.
- Filiform Warts — thread-like growths around the eyes, mouth, or neck.
What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, or acrochordons, are soft, small, flesh-colored growths that typically form in areas where skin rubs against skin — such as the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and under breasts. They are not contagious and are not caused by a virus. While they are usually painless, they may get irritated due to friction from clothing or jewelry.
Treatment Options:
Warts Treatment:
- Topical Salicylic Acid: Applied daily to exfoliate the wart over time.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen; may require multiple sessions.
- Electrosurgery & Curettage: Using electrical current to burn the wart, followed by scraping.
- Laser Therapy: Destroys wart tissue by cutting off blood supply.
- Prescription Creams: Like imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil, which enhance immune response.
Skin Tag Treatment:
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the tag to cause it to fall off.
- Excision: Simple surgical removal with scissors or a scalpel.
- Electrosurgery: Burning the tag off using controlled electric current.
- Ligation: Tying the tag’s base to cut off its blood supply, causing it to dry and detach.
Home Remedies: Are They Safe?
While some over-the-counter and natural remedies claim to treat warts and skin tags, they are often ineffective and may cause infection, irritation, or scarring. The FDA does not approve OTC treatments for skin tags, and professional guidance is always recommended before using any home-based method.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
Seek Medical Attention if:
- The growth changes in size, shape, or color.
- It causes pain, bleeds, or becomes infected.
- OTC treatments fail to work.
- There is emotional or cosmetic concern.
A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and recommend safe and effective treatment tailored to your condition.
Preventive Tips:
To Prevent Warts:
- Avoid touching warts on yourself or others.
- Keep skin dry and clean.
- Use footwear in public showers and locker rooms.
- Don’t share towels, socks, or razors.
To Prevent Skin Tags:
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce skin folds and friction.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that reduces skin rubbing.
Warts/Skin Tags Treatment in Delhi:
If you’re seeking effective, safe, and advanced Warts/Skin Tags Treatment in Delhi, consult the expert dermatologists at Derma Station The Skin Clinic. Our specialists offer personalized care using the latest dermatological procedures for fast and aesthetic results.
Comments
0 comment