Wart Removal for Growths That Bother You Because of How They Look

Short answer: many small skin growths look alike but are different things. Skin tags are soft, small flaps of skin often found where skin rubs, such as the neck or underarms. Seborrheic keratoses are common, waxy or rough-looking growths that can seem 'stuck on' the skin. Flat and filiform warts are caused by a virus and can appear on the face, legs or other areas, sometimes as tiny flat bumps or thin, thread-like projections.

Because they can resemble one another, it is hard to know what a growth is just by looking at it. Some skin cancers can also look like a harmless bump or 'wart.' That is why an exam by a licensed clinician, such as a dermatologist, matters before anyone decides on removal.

Skin cancer safety: a growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer. Please do not self-treat it. The ABCDEs of melanoma (asymmetry, border, color, diameter, evolving) are only a general guide to when to get something looked at, not a way to diagnose yourself.

Cosmetic removal has traditionally been handled in a clinician's office after an exam. Depending on the growth and where it is, approaches that providers have commonly used include freezing, minor surgical removal or excision, scraping, or using heat or electrical tools. Which one, if any, is appropriate is a decision for the clinician.

For virus-related warts, approaches have included over-the-counter products, prescription topical options and in-office procedures. Results vary from person to person, and warts can return. No approach is guaranteed to remove a wart for good or to clear the virus that causes it.

Some people choose to leave a harmless growth alone, and that is a reasonable choice too. Over-the-counter wart products are not meant for the face or genital area. People with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or a weakened immune system should ask a provider before treating warts at home, especially on the feet. Cutting, burning or digging out a growth at home is not advised because of risks of infection, scarring and missing something that needed a proper look.

The right provider may help by first examining the spot, and sometimes looking at it more closely with a magnifying tool, to say what it appears to be. If something looks unclear, they may suggest sampling it for testing. A visit generally includes a conversation about your goals, your health history and what you hope the skin will look like.

If removal is appropriate, a provider may explain the options that suit that growth and its location, what healing is generally like, and the chance of marks or color changes. Facial skin is delicate, so many people prefer a clinician's judgment there. Ask about anything you are unsure of, including regulatory status of any prescription product they mention, since that is best confirmed with them.

Helpful questions to bring: What do you think this growth is? Should it be checked for skin cancer? What are my options, including waiting? What might healing and scarring look like? Could it come back? Is there anything about my health that changes the plan? Providers listed through Providers.plus are licensed, though you should always confirm that a provider's training fits your concern.