Is using a wart remover on skin tags a good idea?

Skin tags and warts are sometimes confused for being the same. While they are not the same, they may have similar appearance, but they are different. It’s imperative not to scratch, pull, or try to remove any growths or irritations on the skin. While warts can be indicative of HPV infection, and even sexually transmitted issues, you may find that removal will be necessary using specific solutions. One option that is popular is that of a wart remover. These are often found over the counter, or through the aid of a physician. Is using this type of solution a good idea? The short answer is, yes, but the longer answer requires a little bit more information.

Are Warts and Skin Tags The Same?

Before you can start using any solution for skin tags, you need to understand that they are not warts. They may look similar, they may even use the same removers, but they are systematically different. The main difference is that warts are due to several strains of the human papillomavirus. HPV on the skin can cause a number of issues, and the irritation on the skin forms clusters. Clusters of warts are not only unsightly, they may be painful, could break open, or bleed. The treatment utilized on these is often salicylic acid, or cryotherapy. In the case that the warts are part of an outbreak of an STI, then a doctor will prescribe medication to help with healing the issue, and helping further outbreaks stay at bay. Suffice to say, skin tags are different.

Skin Tags Are Usually Harmless

By definition, tags on the skin are nothing more than benign growths. They occur due to the friction of skin cells. Those that have gained weight, lost weight, or are insulin resistant are at risk of getting these more than others. Tags do not hurt, they are not formed in clusters, and traditionally do not pose much of a threat. They are simply growths due to friction of dermal tissue. In some instances, they are indicative of prediabetes, or HPV infection. As a result, these may not require you to see a doctor, unless they are painful, change colors, or start to spread.

Removing Skin Tags With Wart Remover

If you are looking at potentially remove skin tags using a wart remover, you can do that. It may take more than one application, but it is safe. You will want to look for options that have salicylic acid. This will penetrate the core of the tag and you’ll find that it will fall off naturally. You can even get “freezing” solutions that are meant for warts, and that can help with removing tags as well. You should not feel pain, or have much of an incident in removing your tags with wart remover.

In the case that these options don’t work, it may be necessary to call a physician for a second opinion. Stubborn tags may require a professional to lance, or use advanced cryotherapy to clean up the skin. In most instances, however, you will not need to see a doctor for skin tags.