Warts, Molluscum and Skin Tags: Causes, Removal and When to Worry

Small bumps on the skin are among the most common reasons people visit a dermatologist. Warts, molluscum contagiosum and skin tags can look similar to the untrained eye, but they have different causes and are treated differently. Some spread, some do not, and a few bumps that look harmless need a closer look.

Warts

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters through small breaks in the skin. Warts can appear on the hands, fingers, feet, face and around the nails.

• Common warts: rough, raised, grainy bumps, often on the hands
• Plantar warts: hard, flat warts on the soles that can hurt when walking
• Flat warts: small, smooth, slightly raised spots, often on the face or shaved areas
• Genital warts: need medical assessment and treatment of partners where relevant

Warts can spread to other parts of your body and to other people, especially through shaving, picking and shared towels.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum is a viral infection that causes small, smooth, pearly, dome-shaped bumps, often with a tiny dent in the centre. It is common in children and in people with eczema. It spreads through skin contact, scratching and shared towels. In children, it often clears on its own over months, but treatment may be advised when the spots are spreading, itchy or bothersome.

Skin tags

Skin tags are small, soft, skin-coloured or brown growths that hang from the skin, usually on the neck, underarms, eyelids and groin. They are not infectious. They are linked to friction, weight gain, pregnancy and insulin resistance. Many skin tags around the neck, especially with a dark, velvety neck, can be a sign to check blood sugar.

Why you should not remove them at home

Cutting, tying with thread, applying acids, toothpaste, garlic or chemicals bought online, or burning bumps can cause infection, bleeding, scarring and dark marks. Picking warts spreads the virus. Most importantly, a growth that looks like a wart or tag may occasionally be something else, such as a mole or a skin cancer, which should be examined first.

How a dermatologist removes them

Every growth is examined first. The method depends on the type, size, number and location. At Dr. Lasi's, options for mole, wart and skin tag removal include:

• Radiofrequency (RF) or electrocautery removal: precise removal with controlled heat under local anaesthetic, with little bleeding
• CO2 laser: vaporises growths layer by layer, useful for some warts and skin tags
• Surgical excision: for growths that need full removal and testing
• Medical treatment: prescription creams or other treatments for some warts and molluscum

Warts can return because the virus may remain in surrounding skin, so more than one session is sometimes needed.

Aftercare

• Keep the area clean and apply the prescribed ointment
• Small scabs form and fall off in one to two weeks; do not pick them
• Use sunscreen on healed areas to reduce darkening
• Do not share towels or razors while warts are being treated

When should you see a doctor quickly?

• A bump that bleeds, grows quickly or changes colour
• A mole with irregular edges or several colours
• Warts on the face, genitals or around the nails
• Growths in someone with diabetes or a weak immune system
• Many molluscum spots in an adult

Have a bump checked before it is removed. Book an appointment or call +91 81398 82226.