Difference Between Wart and Skin Tag

Warts and skin tags are both common skin conditions and while they share certain similarities, they are quite different in appearance, structure, and cause. Warts are caused by a virus and are contagious, while skin tags are benign and not contagious. In this article, we will explore the differences between warts and skin tags in more detail.

Appearance

The most obvious difference between warts and skin tags is their appearance. Warts are usually small, rough bumps that are slightly raised from the skin. They usually have a grainy texture, and the color can vary from white to gray to brown. Skin tags, on the other hand, are small, flesh-colored growths that hang from the skin on a thin stalk. They are usually smooth and soft and can range in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters.

Structure

When it comes to structure, warts and skin tags also differ. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a contagious virus that invades the skin through tiny cuts or scrapes. The virus then causes an overgrowth of skin cells, which forms the wart. Skin tags, on the other hand, are benign growths that are made up of extra skin cells. They are not caused by a virus or bacteria and are not contagious.