What is the difference between skin tags and filiform warts?

Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

Updated on September 18, 2024

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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

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Written by He Da Wei

Dermatology

49sec

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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.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

1min 1sec

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What should I do if a filamentous wart breaks?

After a filiform wart breaks, it is important to avoid contact with water to prevent infection. Once a filiform wart is damaged and scabs form, you can visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital for treatment. Some physical therapy methods used to remove these include liquid nitrogen freezing, carbon dioxide laser treatment, high-frequency ion therapy, and microwave treatment. These methods can effectively remove filiform warts. Recurrence of filiform warts may occur, so it is essential to regularly revisit the hospital for follow-up after treatment. Filiform warts are a type of viral skin infection, which is related to a decline in the body's immune system. Therefore, it is important to rest adequately, avoid staying up late, exercise appropriately to enhance immune function, and maintain a light diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

59sec

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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.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

57sec

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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.

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Written by Li Ya Ping

Dermatology Department

54sec

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What causes filamentous warts?

Filiform warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and they can spread through direct or indirect contact. They primarily present as single or multiple protruding lesions, occurring typically on eyelids and neck regions. These lesions are slender and soft, having the color of normal skin or slightly brown. Generally, there are no symptoms felt by the patient. In clinical practice, filiform warts can sometimes be confused with skin tags. In some cases, doctors might mistake skin tags as filiform warts, or vice versa, since skin tags also commonly develop in folds of the skin such as the neck and armpits. The treatment of filiform warts mainly involves physical removal methods.