Skin tags and warts are both skin growths, but they have some important differences. They look different, typically occur at different times in a your life and are treated in different ways. You can easily tell them apart and handle them appropriately if you know their characteristics. You can decide whether or not you wish to treat them, once you know exactly what is growing on your skin.
Identification
A wart is a small, round skin growth that is usually medically harmless, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is generally small and either skin colored, pink, white or tan. It has a rough surface and small, dark spots which are clotted blood vessels.
A skin tag is also a generally harmless growth, but it is often attached to a stalk that protrudes slightly from the skin. It is usually either skin tone or darker. Most skin tags are small, but the National Institutes of Health (NIH) states some can reach up to 1/2 inch in length. Skin tags are almost always benign, but NIH recommends seeing a doctor if they change in appearance.
Cause
Warts are caused by the human human papillomavirus. This virus makes certain skin cells grow very quickly on the skin's outer layer.
The exact cause of skin tags is not known, but NIH states they might occur when skin keeps rubbing against skin over time. They are especially common in skin folds and appear more often on overweight people and those with diabetes.
Time Frame
Warts can affect a person at any point in his life, and they are particularly common in children. Skin tags are most common in midlife and old age according to NIH, although they do occasionally grow on younger people. Warts eventually disappear by themselves, although it can take many months. Skin tags are generally permanent unless they are medically removed.
Location
Warts most commonly crop up on the hands, fingers, toes and feet although they may grow on other areas. Foot warts are known as plantar warts because of their location. Some people also get genital wart outbreaks.
Skin tags usually grow on the neck, in the armpits and on body. They are especially common in places were skin fold on itself, NIH states.
Treatment
Skin tags and warts generally do not need to be treated for medical reasons. However, many people choose to get rid of them because they are visually unappealing. Skin tags can become irritated if they're in a location where clothing continually rubs against the growth.
Warts are most commonly treated with over-the-counter salicylic acid acid products or home freezing kits, although they may need medical treatment if they are especially stubborn. Skin tags can be frozen, cut or cauterized by a physician. Both warts and skin tags can recur after removal.
