Skin tags are harmless, soft, skin-colored growths that hang from the surface of the skin on a thin piece of tissue called a stalk. They most often occur in areas that are subject to friction, such as the neck, armpits, underneath the breasts or in the groin. They can occasionally become irritating or unsightly. Skin tags may be removed with surgical scissors, a sharp blade, or liquid nitrogen. Sometimes they can bleed extensively upon removal, requiring electrocauterization.
Warts are caused by certain subtypes of the human papilloma virus (HPV). They may develop on people of all ages anywhere on the skin. Dermatologists most commonly use liquid nitrogen, surgical excision, or blistering agents in the office to treat warts. In difficult cases, prescription creams or injections may be used. Most warts require a series of treatments at two to three week intervals for permanent removal.