Skin tags and warts are common skin growths that, while often harmless, can cause discomfort and make people feel self-conscious.
These small growths can appear anywhere on the body, including sensitive areas like the neck, groin, fingers, or even under the breasts. For some, their presence is purely a cosmetic concern, for others, these growths can become irritated, painful, or even prone to infection, particularly in areas of friction or skin folds.
Wart and skin tag removal is not only about aesthetics but also about regaining comfort and self-confidence. This guide explains what warts and skin tags are, why their removal might be necessary, and the various methods available.
What Are Warts and Skin Tags?
Warts
Warts are rough, raised skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can form on various parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, and fingers, and are often identified by their uneven surface and tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels. While warts are typically harmless, they are contagious and can spread through direct contact with the virus or shared items like towels and shoes.
Warts tend to develop in areas subjected to pressure or friction, such as the soles of the feet (plantar warts) or the hands. For some individuals, warts can be painful, particularly when located on weight-bearing areas like the feet. Many people seek wart removal for both cosmetic reasons and to prevent further spreading or irritation.
Skin Tags
Skin tags, on the other hand, are soft, benign growths that hang off the skin’s surface. They are often found in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the neck, armpits, groin, or under the breasts. Small skin tags are usually painless, but larger ones may become irritated by clothing, jewellery, or movement.
Skin tags are completely harmless and often develop due to hormonal changes, weight gain, or ageing. Although painless, their appearance can make some people feel self-conscious, particularly when located on visible areas of the body. Removing skin tags is a simple procedure that can restore comfort and confidence.
What to Know Before Removing Warts and Skin Tags
Removing warts and skin tags might seem straightforward, but it’s essential to approach the process with care to avoid unnecessary complications.
Here’s what you need to know:
Professional Assessment
While warts and skin tags are often harmless growths, a dermatologist’s consultation is essential to confirm their diagnosis. This ensures that any growth is benign and suitable for removal. Skin lesions resembling warts or skin tags could occasionally be something more serious, requiring a different treatment approach.
Risks of At-Home Methods
Over-the-counter products and DIY remedies may not always be effective and can sometimes lead to pain, scarring, or infection. Attempting to remove skin tags or warts without professional guidance can also leave the root of the growth intact, leading to recurrence.
Suitability for Removal
Warts and skin tags in certain locations, such as near the eyes or in skin folds, may require specialised techniques for safe removal. Pregnant women, people with underlying skin conditions, or those prone to keloid scarring should seek advice from medical experts before proceeding with any removal procedure.
Anaesthesia and Aftercare
Most professional removal procedures are painless and performed under local anaesthetic, ensuring a comfortable experience. However, once the anaesthetic wears off, patients may experience minor soreness. Following aftercare instructions, such as keeping the area clean and avoiding irritation, is vital for proper healing and to minimise scarring.
Recurrence and Healing Time
Warts, in particular, may recur even after treatment due to their viral nature. Healing times vary depending on the removal method, with most people recovering fully within a few weeks. Regular follow-ups with a dermatologist can help monitor progress and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Methods of Removing Warts and Skin Tags
There are several effective methods for removing warts and skin tags: Over-the-Counter Treatments
- For Warts: Many people use freezing kits or salicylic acid-based solutions to treat warts. These methods work by gradually breaking down the wart tissue. However,
they may require several applications and are not always effective, especially for stubborn or larger warts.
- For Skin Tags: Adhesive patches or creams claim to remove skin tags by cutting off their blood supply. While inexpensive, these methods carry risks of irritation, infection, or incomplete removal.
Natural Remedies
- Home remedies such as tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar are often used for skin tags and warts. However, these methods lack scientific backing and can cause irritation or damage to the surrounding skin.
Professional Medical Procedures
Seeking the expertise of dermatologists ensures safe, effective, and precise removal. Common professional methods include:
- Cryotherapy (Freezing): Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the wart or skin tag, causing the tissue to break down. This method is widely used for warts but can also be effective for smaller skin tags. Cryotherapy may require multiple sessions and might leave a temporary pink mark as the skin heals.
- Laser Treatment: This method uses targeted light energy to break down the growth. It is ideal for warts and small skin tags, especially on visible areas like the face or neck, as it minimises scarring.
- Shave Removal: A specialised blade is used to shave off skin tags or warts after numbing the area with local anaesthetic. This technique is effective for growths that protrude above the skin surface.
- Excision Surgery: For larger or deeply rooted growths, surgical excision is performed under local anaesthesia. This method ensures complete removal but may leave a minor linear scar, which can be improved with follow-up laser treatment.
Professional treatments are the safest choice, as they not only remove the growth but also minimise risks of infection, scarring, and recurrence.
Skin Tag and Wart Removal at Maylin Clinic
At Maylin x Dr. Jinah Yoo Dermatology, we specialise in advanced, expert-led treatments to safely and effectively remove warts and skin tags. Our clinic prioritises patient care, offering tailored solutions that ensure comfort, precision, and minimal scarring.
Laser Treatment:
Our state-of-the-art laser technology uses controlled light energy to target and break down the tissue of warts and skin tags with remarkable precision. This method is ideal for smaller or superficial growths, particularly in visible areas such as the face or neck, and offers a minimally invasive solution with minimal downtime and reduced risk of scarring.
Shave Removal:
For soft, protruding growths, our dermatologists carefully shave the tag or wart off under local anaesthetic. This procedure is highly effective and promotes rapid healing, making it an excellent choice for skin tags or warts that extend above the skin surface.
Excision Surgery:
For larger or deeply rooted growths, surgical excision is the most reliable method for complete removal. Performed under local anaesthesia, this procedure ensures the growth is removed along with a small margin of surrounding tissue to prevent recurrence. If needed, post-treatment laser therapy is available to minimise scarring.
Why Choose MaylinJYD?
- Expertise You Can Trust: Our treatments are performed by highly trained dermatologists with extensive experience in skin lesion removal.
- Advanced Technology: Our use of cutting-edge techniques like laser therapy and precision surgery ensures the most effective removal methods tailored to your needs. ● Personalised Care: From consultation to aftercare, we provide guidance at every step to ensure your comfort and satisfaction. Our tailored aftercare instructions minimise risks of recurrence and promote healthy healing.
- Minimal Downtime: Our methods are designed to be as minimally invasive as possible, allowing most people to return to their normal routine within a few days.
Whether you want your skin tag removed for cosmetic reasons or need to address persistent warts causing discomfort, our clinic provides solutions that prioritise safety, effectiveness, and long-term results.
Book your consultation with Maylin x Dr. Jinah Yoo Dermatology today to regain smooth, healthy skin and boost your self-confidence.
