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Warts and skin tags are common, but they are not the same thing and treatment depends on what the growth actually is.
We confirm the diagnosis first, especially in sensitive areas or when a lesion is changing.
Treatment may include freezing, electrodesiccation, prescription therapy, snip or shave removal, or simply leaving it alone.
Wart or skin tag on the neck?
Growths on the neck are commonly skin tags, warts or other benign lesions, and they can look similar. Skin tags are soft growths that often form where skin, jewelry or clothing rubs. Warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and may have a rougher surface. Because treatment differs, an uncertain, changing, bleeding, painful or unusual growth should be examined before removal.
Do not use an over-the-counter wart remover on a growth you think may be a skin tag. Wart medicines can irritate or injure normal skin and are not intended for skin-tag removal.
How It Works and What to Expect
Warts and skin tags are both common, but they are different conditions. The treatment depends on the diagnosis, location, size, number of lesions, age and prior treatment.
How are warts treated?
Options may include salicylic acid, cryotherapy, cantharidin, curettage, electrodesiccation and other therapies. Warts can recur because HPV may persist in nearby skin.
How are skin tags removed?
Skin tags may be removed with snip excision, electrosurgery, cryotherapy or another simple office technique depending on size and location.
Do all growths need removal?
No. Removal is usually optional unless the lesion is painful, repeatedly irritated, bleeding, interfering with daily activity or uncertain in diagnosis. Cosmetic removal may not be covered by insurance.
Could it be something else?
Yes. Other benign and malignant growths can resemble warts or skin tags. Any lesion that is changing, bleeding without explanation, unusually firm, pigmented or otherwise atypical should be examined before destruction.
Wart and skin tag removal on Long Island and Queens
Borealis Dermatology evaluates and treats warts, skin tags and other growths at our three offices. When removal is appropriate, the technique is selected based on the diagnosis and location rather than using the same method for every lesion.
Related reading from Borealis
After Removal
After a shave, snip, electrodesiccation, or similar superficial removal, see Superficial Removal Wound Care. If your clinician gave different instructions, follow those instead.