What is the difference between skin tags and filiform warts?

Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

Updated on September 18, 2024

00:00

00:00

Skin tags and filiform warts are clearly distinct.

Clinically, skin tags are a type of soft external appearance, a skin soft fibroma, non-infectious, and somewhat hereditary; on the other hand, filiform warts are caused by a viral infection, offering a raised, smooth growth on the skin surface, and are somewhat infectious.

The causes of each are different: filiform warts are due to human papillomavirus infections and commonly occur on the face and neck; whereas skin tags are mainly caused by skin aging.

Treatment for filiform warts typically involves the use of lasers or cryotherapy, while skin tags may also be removed surgically or treated effectively with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy.

Thus, there are differences in both the causes and clinical presentations of the two.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

57sec

home-news-image

What should be noted after laser treatment for filamentous warts?

Filiform warts are caused by papillomavirus infection. This disease is contagious and recurrent. Generally, after laser treatment, there will be small wounds on the treated area. It is important to protect these wounds. Avoid washing with water as much as possible and wait until scabs form before bathing. When bathing, try not to scrub the area with a bath towel. If some warts are not completely removed, scrubbing can cause the virus to spread and lead to recurrent infections. If a recurrence occurs, it is essential to go to the hospital for another laser treatment. Do not wait until the warts have grown significantly before seeking laser treatment. Towels or bath towels that you have used should be sun-dried and disinfected, and used separately from those of other family members to prevent the virus from spreading to them. Regular exercise to boost immunity can also be beneficial in preventing recurrence.

home-news-image

Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

1min 5sec

home-news-image

Do filamentous warts have anything to do with being sharp?

Filiform warts and condyloma acuminata both belong to viral warts, which are benign growths caused by the infection of the skin or mucous membranes by the human papillomavirus (HPV). In clinical practice, the HPV subtypes that infect filiform warts and condyloma acuminata are different. Filiform warts are a type of common wart, characterized by their elongated, protruding bodies with keratinized tips, which is why they are called filiform warts. They commonly occur on the neck, forehead, and eyelids. On the other hand, condyloma acuminata is caused by HPV subtypes 6, 11, 16, and 18, among others. Condyloma acuminata is a type of sexually transmitted disease, typically occurring in areas like the anus and external genitalia, and is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. Condyloma acuminata is currently one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases globally.

home-news-image

Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

59sec

home-news-image

What is the difference between skin tags and filiform warts?

Skin tags and filiform warts are clearly distinct. Clinically, skin tags are a type of soft external appearance, a skin soft fibroma, non-infectious, and somewhat hereditary; on the other hand, filiform warts are caused by a viral infection, offering a raised, smooth growth on the skin surface, and are somewhat infectious. The causes of each are different: filiform warts are due to human papillomavirus infections and commonly occur on the face and neck; whereas skin tags are mainly caused by skin aging. Treatment for filiform warts typically involves the use of lasers or cryotherapy, while skin tags may also be removed surgically or treated effectively with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy. Thus, there are differences in both the causes and clinical presentations of the two.

home-news-image

Written by He Da Wei

Dermatology

49sec

home-news-image

Can the ointment for filiform warts be effective?

Filiform warts are a type of common wart that can occur on any part of the body. Filiform warts are characterized by their raised surfaces with keratinized tips, and are commonly found on the neck, forehead, eyelids, and underarms. These are benign growths caused by an infection of the skin with the human papillomavirus. Topical medications are generally less effective, and physical treatments such as carbon dioxide laser therapy are commonly used and quite effective. Typically, about a week after treatment, the treated area can scab over and gradually fall off to return to normal. The majority of people can be cured with one treatment. For those with recurrent conditions, it is advisable to use Chinese medicine to adjust the constitution in conjunction with the treatment.

home-news-image

Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

51sec

home-news-image

Can filiform warts be transmitted between spouses?

Filiform warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is quite contagious. Transmission between spouses can be more severe due to prolonged contact, or sharing items like towels and bath mitts, which can lead to infection. Once one person is infected, it is crucial to seek standardized treatment at a hospital. The most common treatment currently used is laser removal, which in most cases can cure the condition in one or two sessions. However, some patients may experience recurrent outbreaks, requiring laser treatment each time to prevent the warts from multiplying and spreading. During treatment, towels and bath mitts should be frequently disinfected and not shared. Additionally, it is recommended to engage in regular exercise to boost the immune system, or take oral medications that enhance immunity to prevent recurrence.