Removal of skin tags and warts

Many people have either developed or inherited skin tags or warts. If you have them, you may need to remove them. Common warts are an infection in the top layer of skin, caused by viruses. Skin tags are common benign soft growths of skin that protrude from the surface of the skin. On the other hand, skin tags are more common but can sometimes be harmful depending on where they are located.

For example, genital warts should be examined by a professional. These can appear in the pubic area. They often appear in clusters of three or four and may grow and spread rapidly. Even though they are typically painless, they are a cause for concern. There are more than 60 kinds of the human papillomavirus (HPV), some of which tend to cause warts on the skin.

Types of Warts

  • Plantar Warts
  • Genital Warts
  • Flat Warts

What about skin tags?

Warts tend to be flat, whereas tags are more like bumps hanging from a thin stem. Skin tags are rarely associated with HPV. Genital lesions resembling skin tags may be genital warts. Skin tags vary widely in their colour and shape. Some are smooth, while others are irregular and bumpy. This little flap of skin forms because of friction, some people are just more prone to developing skin tags.

How can warts be removed?

There are many options for the removal of not only warts but skin tags too. The process that will be used to remove yours will depend on your needs and specific diagnosis.

These are some of the more common solutions:

Cryotherapy
With this treatment, the dermatologist uses liquid nitrogen to freeze a wart or a tag. Some people have tried this treatment at home, but the downside is that the temperature can not go low enough to be both safe and effective.

Cantharidin
Cantharidin is an odourless, colourless fatty substance. It works by safely creating a blister around the wart which then lifts the wart off the skin.

Laser surgery
Laser surgery has been instrumental in many medical procedures over the years. Due to its proven effectiveness, it is used to assist in the removal of skin warts and tags.