Skin tags and warts can create raised or rough growths that catch on clothing, become irritated, or simply bother you. At Waterside Dermatology, our doctors evaluate these growths and provide evidence-based removal options based on your skin and needs.
Clear Away
Unwanted Skin Growths
Skin tags are small, soft growths that typically hang from the skin, while warts are rough growths caused by certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). Both are generally harmless but may become irritated or bothersome. Removal begins with confirming what type of growth you have. Depending on its size, location, and characteristics, your doctor may recommend freezing, cutting, or another appropriate dermatologic removal method.
Signs & Symptoms of Skin Tags & Warts:
- Small, raised skin growths
- Soft, flesh-colored growths
- Growths that hang from the skin
- Rough or grainy bumps
- Tiny black dots within some warts
- Clusters of small growths
- Irritation from clothing or jewelry
- Bleeding when rubbed or injured
- Growths that gradually increase in size
- New warts appearing near existing ones
- Persistent growths that do not resolve
What Causes Skin Tags & Warts?
Skin tags and warts develop for different reasons. Skin tags are thought to form where skin repeatedly rubs against skin, clothing, or other surfaces. Warts develop when certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infect the outer layer of your skin, often entering through tiny cuts or breaks.
Factors that may increase your likelihood of developing skin tags or warts include:
- Frequent skin-to-skin friction
- Skin folds where rubbing commonly occurs
- A family tendency to develop skin tags
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Direct contact with a wart
- Contact with HPV-contaminated surfaces
- Sharing razors, towels, or personal items
- Small cuts, scrapes, or breaks in the skin
- Nail biting or picking around the nails
- A weakened immune system
- Walking barefoot in warm, damp communal areas
Skin Tag & Wart Removal
Your consultation begins with a careful examination of the growth to determine whether it is a skin tag, wart, or another type of skin lesion. Your doctor will consider its appearance, size, location, symptoms, and how long it has been present, as well as whether it has changed, spread, bled, or become irritated.
Removal depends on the type and characteristics of the growth. Skin tags may be carefully snipped, shaved, or treated with another appropriate technique, while warts may be treated with cryotherapy or other dermatologic methods. Some warts require more than one treatment. Your doctor will recommend an approach based on your skin, the location of the growth, and your individual needs.
FAQs
Do I Need to Have My Skin Tags Removed?
Not necessarily. Skin tags are generally harmless and often don’t require any treatment. You may choose removal if a growth regularly catches on clothing or jewelry, becomes irritated, or simply bothers you. Your doctor can first confirm that the growth is actually a skin tag.
Will My Skin Tag Grow Back After Removal?
A properly removed skin tag typically does not grow back in the same place, although you can develop new skin tags elsewhere. If you’re prone to them, you may continue noticing new growths over time.
Can My Warts Spread to Other Areas?
Yes. Because warts are caused by certain types of HPV, the virus can spread through direct contact and sometimes to other areas of your own skin. Avoiding picking, scratching, or shaving over warts may help limit their spread.
Will My Warts Go Away Without Treatment?
Some warts eventually disappear as your immune system clears the infection, but this can take months or even years. Treatment may be worth considering if your warts persist, spread, become painful, or interfere with everyday activities.
Get Persistent Growths Checked
and Removed
Whether a skin tag keeps catching on your clothing or a stubborn wart won’t go away, you have several options. Call Waterside Dermatology to schedule your consultation for skin tag and wart removal in Bradenton, FL, and find the right approach for your skin.
Contact Us
