Difference Between Skin Tag And Genital Warts

Are you wondering if that abnormal outgrowth or skin lump on your body is a skin tag or signs of genital warts? It can be difficult to tell at times.

Skin tags and genital warts are both common conditions that affect people of all ages and genders. One can be easily confused due to their similar appearance.

It's critical to distinguish between these two conditions because one of them, genital warts, is infectious, meaning it passes from one person to another. Skin tags, on the other hand, are not contagious as they are formed due to external factors like friction in the skin folds due to natural movement.

This article will help you understand the differences between skin tags vs. warts, including those caused by an HPV infection.

What Are Genital Warts?

Genital warts are small non-cancerous skin growths that typically occur around the genital or anal areas in clusters or individually. They do not result in any pain and are usually harmless. 

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags can be defined as small skin outgrowths in the regions of your body that have fleshy folds. Almost 50-60% of adults may develop at least one skin tag during their lifetime. It is observed that skin tags are more common once you enter your 40s.

Skin tags are usually painless and do not cause discomfort.6 You can talk to your doctor and have them removed surgically if they are a cosmetic concern or snag on your clothes/jewellery and bleed. Sometimes, the skin tags may even fall off entirely by themselves. This happens if the tissue has twisted and died as a result of a lack of blood supply.

Now that we’ve explored the basics of skin tag vs wart, let’s dive deeper into the causes behind these two conditions.

Causes Of Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by a sexually transmitted infection called Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The condition is highly contagious and spreads through skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sex.

There are over 200 genotypes of HPV viruses; some are high-risk that can cause cervical cancer, while others are low-risk infections. Only 10% of those who are exposed to HPV will develop genital warts. However, 90% of genital warts cases are caused by some low-risk HPV genotypes like 6 and 11.

Causes Of Skin Tags

Skin tags, otherwise known as acrochordons commonly occur due to several factors including:

• Skin-to-skin friction, as seen in the neck region, armpit, and groin areas.
• Genetics, as a skin tag might be an inherited condition.
• Hormonal changes, mainly while women are pregnant.
• Obesity, because it causes friction to be created in folds in the skin.
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes. 

Differences Between Skin Tags & Warts

Let’s talk about the differentiating factors between these two conditions in detail!

Appearance

A common question is, what does an HPV skin tag look like? Skin tags either look like a deflated balloon or even a grain of rice which is connected to the skin via a thin stalk.

In contrast, genital warts may be flat, cauliflower-shaped or pedunculated (have finger-like projections). They have a wider base and are usually firmly attached to the body.

Areas Of The Body That Can Be Affected

Skin tags grow on body areas where there is more friction on a daily basis like the neck, armpits, eyelids, under breasts, thighs, genitals or groin folds.

Genital warts are infectious and spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. Therefore they affect areas of skin that are not prevalently protected during sexual contact and are injured (by minor cuts) during sex. You can find them affecting the shaft of the penis, urethra, vagina, vulva, cervix, or skin around the anus.

Pattern Of Development

Usually, you might observe a singular skin tag in an area. It is possible to have more than one skin tag on your body.

Genital warts also develop singularly or in groups/clusters. However, genital warts are infectious, they may spread to adjacent tissue more easily than to distant areas (via scratching and shaving).

Texture

Skin tags are extremely smooth to the touch. They can twist easily because they have a relatively thin base and a larger top.

Genital warts have a rough and irregular surface that looks like cauliflower. They are generally flat and small, almost making them invisible.

Colour

Skin tags can be skin-coloured, brown or red lesions. The colour of genital warts is variable but is prone to being skin-coloured and may occasionally be a little darker than the patient’s skin.

Let us now understand some of the treatment options available for genital warts and skin tags.

Are Genital Warts & Skin Tags Preventable?

According to studies, the prevention of genital warts and skin tags requires different approaches. Genital warts caused by some specific strains of the human papillomavirus can often be prevented by vaccination, safe sex, and proper hygiene. On the other hand, benign skin growths known as skin tags are not directly preventable since they usually develop due to friction or genetic factors. However, reducing skin irritation and maintaining a healthy weight may help minimize their occurrence. Early detection & treatment are the keys to successfully manage both the conditions. Let's now discuss some of the effective ways to treat genital warts and skin tags.

Treatments For Genital Warts And Skin Tags

For Genital Warts

1. Topical Treatment

• Podophyllin & Podofilox: These are plant-based compounds which are used to destroy warts. 
• Imiquimod: It is a topical cream which triggers the host's immune system to fight against the HPV virus.
• Sinecatechins: This is an ointment made from the extract of green tea, which reduces the number and size of warts.

2. Procedural Treatments:

• Cryotherapy: The method to freeze warts with liquid nitrogen, causing them to fall off on their own.
• Laser Therapy: Utilisation of laser light to burn warts, especially in extensive cases.
• Surgical Excision: Surgical removal of the warts, particularly for large or recurrent growths 

Treatments for Skin Tags

Surgical Removal:

• Snip Excision: Skin tag removal using a surgical scalpel or scissors.
• Cryotherapy: Destruction of the skin tag by freezing the minor lesion with liquid nitrogen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can skin tags look like HPV?

Skin tags and HPV-related warts may appear similar but differ in structure; skin tags are soft, while warts often have a rough texture.

How do I know if I have a wart or skin tag?

Warts are firm, rough, and sometimes have a cauliflower-like appearance, whereas skin tags are soft, smooth and connected by a thin stalk.

Is a papilloma the same as a skin tag?

No, papillomas are growths caused by the HPV, whereas skin tags are benign and not related to the viral infections.

What can beg mistaken for HPV?

Conditions like skin tags, seborrheic keratosis, or molluscum contagiosum can sometimes resemble HPV-related warts.