Warts are rough, raised growths caused by specific types of HPV entering tiny breaks in the skin. Because a virus is involved, warts can spread to other body areas or to other people. Common types include common warts, plantar warts, and genital warts.
Skin tags (medical name acrochordons) are non-cancerous, soft, skin-colored growths that form where skin rubs on skin neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts. They often appear with age, friction, obesity, pregnancy, diabetes, or genetics, and up to 50–60% of adults will develop at least one. They aren’t infectious and don’t turn into cancer.
Quick answer to a top query: Are warts and skin tags the same? No. Warts are viral and contagious; skin tags are benign folds of skin from friction different causes, behaviors, and treatments.
How to identify warts vs. skin tags
How to differentiate between skin tag and wart / how to identify warts and skin tags
- Warts: rough, grainy surface; may have black “seed” dots (clotted capillaries); disrupt skin lines; can be tender on pressure (plantar warts).
- Skin tags: soft, smooth or slightly wrinkled; pedunculated (on a small stalk); match your skin color or slightly darker; usually painless unless snagged.
See a healthcare professional if a growth bleeds, grows rapidly, changes color, is on the eyelid/genitals, or you’re unsure what it is. The NHS also cautions against DIY removal due to risks of infection, bleeding, and scarring.
What causes warts and skin tags?
- Warts: infection with HPV. For genital warts, the CDC provides specific, evidence-based treatment pathways and sexual health counseling.
- Skin tags: friction in body folds; associated with age, obesity, insulin resistance/diabetes, pregnancy, and family history.
How to remove warts and skin tags
Warts: what actually works
- Salicylic acid (OTC): dissolves wart layer by layer; often used daily for weeks. Evidence supports its effectiveness and it may work as well as cryotherapy for some plantar warts.
- Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen): freezes the wart; usually requires several sessions; can sting and cause blisters.
- Other clinician treatments: cantharidin (blistering agent), stronger acids (e.g., trichloroacetic), and, in certain cases, immunotherapy or laser. Dermatologists tailor the choice by wart type and location.
At-home wart removal vs clinic: You can start with OTC salicylic acid for common or plantar warts, but see a clinician for facial, periungual, painful, or persistent lesions and always for genital warts.
Skin tags: safe, quick office procedures
- Snip (scissor excision), cautery, or cryotherapy performed by a clinician are quick and typically require minimal aftercare. Removing tags yourself increases risk of bleeding, infection, scarring, and misdiagnosis (e.g., removing a mole by mistake).
Natural and at-home methods: what’s real and what’s risky?
How to get rid of warts and skin tags naturally / at home
Dermatologist performing cryotherapy to remove warts using liquid nitrogen in a cosmetic clinic — close-up of skin treatment for safe wart removal.
- Duct tape: sometimes suggested for warts. Current medical guidance: it’s harmless but unproven; if you try it, use with care and stop if skin gets irritated.
- Apple cider vinegar (ACV): widely promoted online for moles, warts, and skin tags, but quality medical sources do not recommend it; ACV can cause chemical burns and irritation, especially on the face or genitals. (Use evidence-based options instead.)
- Tea tree oil, bee venom, toothpaste, string kits: evidence is weak or absent; some methods carry a risk of dermatitis, burns, or infection. Even articles aimed at consumers caution against many home hacks and recommend professional removal for safety and correct diagnosis.
Bottom line for “how to remove warts moles and skin tags”: Avoid corrosive DIY methods. Moles should never be self-treated. For warts, try salicylic acid or see a clinician; for skin tags, book a professional removal.
Genital warts vs. skin tags
Are skin tags and genital warts the same thing? No.
- Genital warts are caused by HPV, may appear as cauliflower-like clusters, and require STI-specific management (e.g., podofilox, trichloroacetic acid, cryotherapy). Partners, pregnancy plans, and vaccination should be discussed.
- Skin tags in the groin are common due to friction and are not contagious. Removal is cosmetic unless they snag or bleed.
If you’re unsure which you have, see a clinician treatments differ, and wart removers for hands/feet are not for genitals.
Are wart removers and skin tag removers the same?
No. Wart removers typically use salicylic acid or cryotherapy aimed at viral tissue. Skin tag “removers” sold OTC often contain caustic agents; respectable guidance favors professional removal for tags to avoid burns and scarring especially on eyelids and sensitive sites.
How to prevent skin tags and warts
- Warts: avoid picking; cover cuts; don’t share nail tools; wear flip-flops in communal showers; consider HPV vaccination to reduce risk of genital warts.
- Skin tags: reduce skin friction (well-fitting clothing, anti-chafe products), maintain healthy weight, manage blood sugar, and avoid repeated rubbing (e.g., jewelry or tight collars).
Step-by-step: How to remove skin tags and warts at home (safely)
Only for appropriate lesions (e.g., common or plantar warts; not genitals/face/eyelids). If in doubt, see a clinician first.
For common/plantar warts (home start)
- Soak the wart 5–10 minutes.
- Apply salicylic acid (as directed on the OTC product).
- Cover with a bandage; repeat daily; gently pare dead skin weekly.
- Reassess at 8–12 weeks; if not improving, or if painful/bleeding, see a dermatologist for cryotherapy or other options.
For skin tags
- Skip home acids and cutting tools. Arrange office removal (snip/cautery/cryo) for best cosmetic result and proper diagnosis.
Cost, recovery, and expectations
- Clinic wart treatments may need multiple visits; cryotherapy can blister for a few days. Salicylic acid is low-cost but slower.
- Skin tag removal is often considered cosmetic (NHS typically won’t cover), so expect out-of-pocket fees at private clinics; done correctly, recovery is quick.
FAQs
Are skin tags and warts related / similar?
Only in appearance to the untrained eye. Causes, contagion, and treatment differ.
Are warts and skin tags treated the same?
No. Warts: salicylic acid, cryotherapy, cantharidin, acids, immunotherapy; Skin tags: snip/cautery/cryo in clinic.
How to tell the difference between genital warts and skin tags?
Genital warts often cluster and are HPV-related; skin tags are soft and stalked. Always seek medical confirmation for genital lesions; treatments and counseling differ.
How to get rid of skin tags and warts naturally?
Evidence is weak; duct tape for warts is “harmless but unproven,” while ACV can burn skin. For safety and results, use salicylic acid for warts and professional removal for tags.
Does apple cider vinegar remove moles, warts, and skin tags?
Not recommended; risk of irritation and chemical burns. Never treat moles at home.
Is wart remover and skin tag remover the same thing?
No different actives and indications. Wart removers target viral tissue; skin tag removal is minor surgery in clinic for best outcomes.
How to remove skin tags and warts at home?
For warts: salicylic acid regimen as above. For skin tags: book a clinician.
Key takeaways for healthy, clear skin
- Confirm what you have: wart or skin tag.
- Choose evidence-based care (salicylic acid, cryotherapy) for warts; use professional removal for tags.
- Be cautious with DIY/natural claims many lack evidence or pose risks.
- For genital lesions, follow CDC-aligned care and ask about HPV vaccination.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology warts: clinician options including cantharidin and acids; cryotherapy. American Academy of Dermatology
- American Academy of Dermatology skin tags: quick, safe office removal. American Academy of Dermatology
- CDC anogenital warts treatment guidance (podofilox and more). CDC
- Mayo Clinic common/plantar warts, salicylic acid, cryotherapy, duct tape appraisal. Mayo Clinic
- Clinical guideline cryotherapy recommended for common warts; considerations. PMC
- StatPearls & Cleveland Clinic skin tags epidemiology, associations, and management. NCBI
- CDC about genital HPV infection, counseling and prevention. CDC
- NHS don’t remove your own skin tag; risks and when to see a GP. nhs.uk
- Randomized data salicylic acid vs cryotherapy comparable for plantar warts. JPAD
