The difference between skin tags and filiform warts

Written by Zhang Jing
Dermatology Department
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Skin tags and filiform warts are two completely different skin conditions. In terms of etiology, skin tags are benign skin tumors, also known as soft fibromas. Filiform warts, on the other hand, are an infectious skin disease caused by human papillomavirus infection. Regarding the location of occurrence, skin tags commonly develop in areas of skin folds such as the neck and armpits. Filiform warts, aside from these areas, can also occur in other locations, such as the face and trunk. Regarding the appearance of the skin lesions, skin tags can be filamentous, but they can also be spherical, and their surface doesn't have any keratinized material, making their texture very soft overall. Filiform warts are filamentous growths with a keratinized surface, making them appear harder and feel rougher to the touch. Both conditions can be treated with lasers. However, since filiform warts are a viral skin disease with some contagiousness, it is important to seek medical advice and laser removal at a hospital as soon as they are discovered.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
1min 3sec home-news-image

Filiform warts are caused by what?

Filiform warts, also known as skin tags, often have a certain family history and are common among overweight adults, particularly around the neck area. It is important to enhance skin cleanliness. Partially, the cause is a viral infection by the Human Papillomavirus, abbreviated as HPV. When necessary, physical treatments such as cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen or laser removal commonly used in clinical settings can be adopted to remove the warts. These methods are complemented by immune modulation, such as taking oral thymopentin enteric capsules, and applying interferon gel on the affected skin area to inhibit viral replication. The contagiousness is not very strong. It is advised to disinfect underwear and avoid harmful stimuli such as scratching or squeezing. (Please follow medical advice when using medications.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can filamentous warts be cut off by oneself?

Filiform warts are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus and are contagious and prone to recurrence. It is advised not to use scissors to cut them off yourself, because the roots of the filiform warts may still be attached to the skin and remain contagious. The best treatment for filiform warts is to go to a regular hospital's dermatology department and have them removed with a laser. Afterwards, apply interferon spray topically to effectively prevent recurrence. It is also important to avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, and frequently sun and disinfect bath towels and scrubbing cloths. Do not share these items with family members to avoid infecting them. If you develop this condition, it is advisable to seek treatment promptly when the warts are small or few in number, otherwise, they could proliferate on your body, potentially appearing on the neck, armpits, and groin.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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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
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What are filamentous warts?

Filiform warts are a type of skin disease caused by the human papillomavirus infection, and they belong to a kind of common warts, often seen in women, with a certain degree of contagiosity. They are usually related to a decline in the body’s immune function. For example, in cancer patients or those with HIV where the immune system is compromised, filiform warts can easily occur. The clinical presentation of filiform warts typically includes brown or light brown lesions, some of which match the normal skin tone. They appear as elongated, soft, pedunculated growths and can vary in number from several to several hundred. They generally occur on eyelids, neck, and scalp among other areas. For the treatment of filiform warts, options under medical guidance include using carbon dioxide laser therapy, cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, or removal through high-frequency electrical ion cauterization.

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Written by He Da Wei
Dermatology
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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.