What it is
A skin tag is a small, soft piece of skin that hangs off the surface, often on a thin stalk. Many people notice them on the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin folds or under the breasts, where skin touches skin or clothing. They are typically the same color as the surrounding skin or slightly darker.
People often search 'skin tag vs wart' because the two can look alike. Warts are caused by a virus and tend to feel rougher or firmer, while skin tags tend to be soft and flexible. Looks can be misleading, though, and you can't reliably tell growths apart by sight alone. Only a licensed clinician can say what a growth is.
Please don't guess on your own. A growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer, and should not be self-treated. The ABCDEs of melanoma (asymmetry, border, color, diameter, evolving) are a general guide that clinicians use. They are not a tool for diagnosing yourself.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Many skin tags are left alone because they are usually harmless. People often look into removal when a tag catches on jewelry, collars or razors, gets irritated, or simply bothers them cosmetically. Whether removal is appropriate is a decision to make with a clinician.
In a clinical setting, removal has traditionally been done in a few ways. These include snipping with sterile instruments, freezing, and cautery, which uses heat or electrical energy. A clinician chooses the approach after an exam, based on the size, location and type of growth and the person's health history.
Some people try over-the-counter products or home methods. Cutting, burning or digging out a growth at home is not advised, because of risks such as bleeding, infection and scarring, and because the growth may not be what you think it is. People with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or a weakened immune system should ask a provider before treating anything at home. Facial and genital growths should not be treated with over-the-counter wart products. Results vary, and growths can return or new ones can appear.
How the right provider may help
The right provider, such as a dermatologist, podiatrist, primary care clinician or sexual-health provider depending on where the growth is, may start by looking closely at the spot and asking how long it has been there and whether it has changed. They may use that exam to decide whether it is a skin tag, a wart or something that needs a closer look. In some cases a clinician may recommend testing a sample of the tissue.
If removal is discussed, a visit generally includes talking through the options, what the process may feel like, and what aftercare looks like. Whether and how to remove a growth is a decision your clinician makes with you. Some insurance plans treat removal as cosmetic, so it can be worth asking the office about coverage ahead of time.
Questions you might bring: What is this growth? Does it need to be removed or can I leave it? What are the options for my location and skin type? What are the risks, including scarring? Could it come back? How should I care for the area afterward? Are there changes I should watch for? If the growth is in a private area, you can say so; clinicians see this often and the conversation can be kept calm and private.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Feeling self-conscious about skin can bring worry, avoidance or frustration, and stress can in turn make people more aware of every little change in their body. Being kind to yourself is part of the picture, since skin tags are very common and nothing to be ashamed of.
If the worry or embarrassment feels bigger than the growth itself, support is available. Somatic Experiences offers body-based support for people who carry tension and stress physically, and Therapists.plus can connect you with talk therapy. These are options for overall well-being, not treatments for skin growths. Providers.plus lists licensed providers if you are looking for a clinician to examine a spot.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Therapists.plus: anxiety panic and ocd →
Keep in mind
- Warts.ai is educational only and does not give medical advice; a licensed clinician must examine any growth before you decide on removal.
- Any growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer and should not be self-treated.
- No method is guaranteed to remove a growth for good, and results vary. Skin tags and warts can return or new ones can appear.
- For an emergency, such as heavy bleeding that won't stop, call 911. If you are in emotional crisis, call or text the 988 Lifeline.
Providers
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a skin tag and a wart?
A skin tag is typically a soft, flexible flap of skin, while a wart is caused by a virus and tends to feel rougher or firmer. They can look alike, so appearance alone isn't a reliable guide. A licensed clinician can examine the growth and tell you which it is.
How is skin tag removal usually done?
Skin tag removal by a clinician has traditionally involved snipping, freezing or cautery, depending on the growth and its location. The clinician decides what is appropriate after an exam. Results vary, and skin tags can return or new ones can appear.
Can I remove a skin tag at home?
Cutting, burning or digging out a skin tag at home is not advised, because of risks such as bleeding, infection and scarring. It is also hard to be sure a growth is a skin tag without an exam. People with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or a weakened immune system should ask a provider before treating anything at home.
Why do I get skin tags on my neck?
Skin tags are common on the neck because skin folds and rubs there, though a clinician is the best person to say why you have them. They tend to show up in spots with friction, such as underarms and groin folds. If a neck growth changes, bleeds or looks unusual, have a dermatologist check it.
Who should I see for skin tag removal near me?
A dermatologist is a common choice for skin tag removal, and primary care clinicians, podiatrists or sexual-health providers may also help depending on the location. Providers.plus lists licensed providers you can look through. It's a good idea to ask the office whether they evaluate growths and what the visit involves.
When should I worry about a skin growth?
A growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer. Don't self-treat it. This page can't diagnose you, and only a licensed clinician can tell you what a growth is.
Educational resource. Warts.ai shares general information and connects people with independent providers. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.