Warts, Verrucas & Skin Tags: What's the Difference and How Are They Treated?

Not every small skin growth is the same. A rough bump on your finger, a painful spot on the sole of your foot, or a soft growth on your neck may look similar, but they can have very different causes and require different treatments. Using the wrong product may not only be ineffective but could also irritate healthy skin without addressing the underlying problem.

Knowing whether you're dealing with a wart, a verruca or a skin tag is the first step towards choosing the most appropriate treatment. Although some can be managed at home with over-the-counter products, others require a different approach, making an accurate diagnosis important before starting any treatment.

This guide explains the key differences between warts, verrucas and skin tags, compares the available treatment options, and highlights when professional medical advice is the safest choice.

Warts vs Verrucas vs Skin Tags: What's the Difference?

At first glance, warts, verrucas and skin tags can all appear as small skin growths, making them easy to confuse. However, they differ in their appearance, where they commonly develop and what causes them. Understanding these differences can help you identify the type of skin growth you're dealing with. 

The easiest way to tell them apart is by where they appear. A verruca is a type of wart that develops on the sole, while common warts are more likely to appear on the hands or fingers. Skin tags are soft, non-viral growths that typically develop where skin rubs against skin or clothing.

What Causes Warts, Verrucas, and Skin Tags?

The key difference between these skin growths lies in their causes. While warts and verrucas are caused by a viral infection, skin tags develop for entirely different reasons.

Warts and verrucas are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions, which are often too small to notice. Once inside the skin, it causes skin cells to grow more rapidly, resulting in a wart or verruca.

Not everyone exposed to HPV develops a wart or verruca. Factors such as minor skin damage, frequent exposure to warm, moist environments, and individual differences in the immune system can all influence whether the virus takes hold.

Skin tags, by contrast, aren't caused by a virus. They typically develop in areas where skin repeatedly rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, underarms and groin. They also become more common with age and may occur more frequently during pregnancy or in people who are overweight.

How Do Warts and Verrucas Spread?

Warts and verrucas can spread from person to person or to other areas of your own skin. HPV spreads through direct skin contact or contaminated surfaces, particularly in warm, damp environments such as communal showers, swimming pool surrounds, changing rooms, and gym floors.

The risk of infection is higher if the skin has small cuts, cracks, or softened areas that allow the virus to enter more easily. Picking at a wart or verruca can also spread the virus, as can sharing personal items such as towels, socks, footwear, nail clippers or pumice stones.

While it's not always possible to prevent infection completely, these simple habits can help reduce the risk:

• Wear flip-flops or waterproof sandals in communal showers and pool areas.

• Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes.

• Avoid picking or scratching warts and verrucas.

• Cover a verruca when swimming or using shared changing facilities.

• Don't share towels, socks, footwear, or footcare tools.

These simple precautions can help reduce the risk of catching or spreading HPV.

At-Home Treatments for Warts and Verrucas

Many common warts and verrucas respond well to over-the-counter treatments, particularly when started early and used consistently. The most suitable option depends on the type, size, and location of the wart or verruca, as well as your personal preference.

Salicylic Acid Treatments

Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used treatments for warts and verrucas. It gradually softens and removes the infected skin, allowing healthy skin to replace it over time. Consistent daily use is usually needed for several weeks to achieve the best results.

Freezing Treatments

Freezing treatments destroy the affected skin using extremely cold temperatures. Over-the-counter freezing kits work in a similar way to professional cryotherapy, although more than one treatment may be needed depending on the size and persistence of the wart or verruca.

Medicated Verruca Plasters

Medicated verruca plasters combine treatment with protection. They typically contain salicylic acid while cushioning the affected area, making them particularly useful for painful verrucas on the soles of the feet. Replacing the plaster as directed helps maintain continuous treatment.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

The most suitable treatment depends on the type of wart or verruca, its location, and your personal preference:

• Salicylic acid treatments are ideal if you're happy to apply treatment consistently over several weeks.

• Freezing kits are a good choice if you prefer a treatment that typically requires fewer applications.

• Medicated verruca plasters are particularly useful if your verruca is painful when walking, as they combine treatment with cushioning.

Whichever treatment you choose, follow the product instructions carefully and be patient. Even with effective treatment, it may take several weeks for a wart or verruca to clear completely.

Why Skin Tags Need a Different Approach

Skin tags require a different approach because they aren't caused by HPV. Unlike warts and verrucas, they aren't contagious and don't contain infected skin tissue. For this reason, treatments designed for warts or verrucas shouldn't be used on skin tags, as they may irritate healthy skin without safely removing the growth.

If a skin tag becomes uncomfortable because it catches on clothing, jewellery or during shaving, it's best to speak to a healthcare professional about safe removal options. This is particularly important for skin tags on delicate areas such as the eyelids, neck or groin.

Before attempting any treatment, make sure the growth is actually a skin tag. If you're unsure what you're dealing with or notice any unusual changes, seek professional medical advice rather than self-treating.

When Should You Get Something Checked Instead of Self-Treating?

Self-treatment isn't always the right choice. If you notice any unusual changes or you're unsure whether a skin growth is suitable for self-treatment, it's best to seek advice from a healthcare professional before using any treatment.

You should have a skin growth assessed if it:

• Bleeds without injury.

• Changes in size, colour or shape.

• Becomes very painful or repeatedly infected.

• Has irregular borders or an unusual appearance.

• Appears on the face, around the eyes or in the genital area.

• Doesn't improve after completing the recommended treatment.

• Returns after previously clearing.

People with diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system should also speak with a healthcare professional before treating a wart or verruca at home, particularly if it's on the foot.

Some skin conditions, including corns, calluses and moles, can resemble warts, verrucas or skin tags. If you're unsure of the diagnosis, seek professional medical advice before starting treatment.

Find Wart, Verruca & Skin Tag Care at Ballyduff Pharmacy

Many common warts and verrucas can be managed at home with the right over-the-counter treatments, while a healthcare professional should always assess persistent or unusual skin growths. 

At Ballyduff Pharmacy, you'll find a range of trusted products, including salicylic acid treatments, freezing kits, and medicated verruca plasters, to help manage common warts and verrucas at home.

Explore our Warts, Skin Tags & Verrucas collection to find trusted treatment options and footcare essentials that support healthy skin.