Warts are small, rough growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While warts have a distinct appearance, they can sometimes be confused with other benign skin lesions. This article will discuss what types of growths are commonly mistaken for warts, how to differentiate them, and when to see a doctor.
Skin tags
Skin tags are one of the most common growths confused with warts. Skin tags are small, soft, skin-colored flaps of tissue that hang off the skin by a narrow stalk. They often form in areas where skin rubs together such as the neck, armpits, and groin.
While warts have a rougher texture, skin tags are smooth. Skin tags also tend to change shape when manipulated while warts maintain their shape when touched. Skin tags generally do not cause discomfort while warts may occasionally itch or hurt. Skin tags can simply be monitored or removed for cosmetic reasons.
Seborrheic keratoses
Seborrheic keratoses are benign skin tumors that some mistake for warts. They appear as raised, waxy brown, black or tan growths that seem “stuck on” the skin. They range in size from very small to over an inch.
While warts have a cauliflower-like surface, seborrheic keratoses have a more solid, flat appearance. Seborrheic keratoses tend to be round or oval shaped while warts can be irregularly shaped. Unlike warts, seborrheic keratoses generally lack the tiny black dots that correspond to clotted blood vessels. Seborrheic keratoses are also not contagious.
If unsightly or irritated, seborrheic keratoses can be treated by freezing, excision, or electrodesiccation.
Calluses
Calluses are areas of thick, tough skin that develop as a response to repeated friction and pressure. Common on hands and feet, calluses can share warts’ rough, bumpy texture. However, calluses lack the clustered, “cauliflower” look of warts.
Additionally, calluses have indistinct borders and blend into surrounding skin. Warts have more defined edges. Calluses are rarely seen on palms and soles while warts frequently occur on these areas. Preventive measures like padding and moisturizer can help avoid callus formation. Trimming off dead skin with a pumice stone or callus remover can reduce callus size.
Moles
Moles, also known as nevi, are pigmented skin tumors that some may mistake as dark-colored warts. However, moles are usually present at birth or develop in early childhood unlike warts which occur later.
Moles also have a uniform color ranging from pink to dark brown or black. The surface of moles tends to be smooth compared to the rough surface of warts. Most importantly, moles are not contagious growths like warts. Moles may be removed or biopsied if they bleed, itch, or exhibit other changes.
Granuloma annulare
Granuloma annulare is a benign inflammatory skin condition that manifests as reddish or skin-colored raised bumps arranged in a ring pattern. When occurring on hands and feet, it may be mistaken for plantar or palmar warts. However, the bumps of granuloma annulare tend to be smaller in size compared to warts.
The surface also lacks the roughness characteristic of most warts. Granuloma annulare bumps are also more fluid-filled while warts have a firmer, fleshier texture. Treatment focuses on managing any symptoms but the condition often resolves on its own within a few years.
Verrucas
Verrucas are essentially a type of wart but are sometimes confused with other warts. Verrucas typically occur on the soles of the feet (plantar warts) but can arise on the palms of the hands as well. They have a harder, thicker texture compared to the softer and more raised appearance of common warts.
Due to constant pressure on feet, plantar warts grow inwards. In contrast, common warts on hands project outwards. Plantar warts also feature small black dots unique to their type. Verrucas are debrided or frozen off to destroy infected tissue.
Corn or callus
Hard, thickened areas of skin caused by pressure on hands or feet can be mistaken for the similar-appearing verrucas. However, corns and calluses lack the clustered, cauliflower growth pattern of verrucas. Corns have more defined centers and borders compared to the diffuse margins of verrucas. There are also nodark speckles on corns or calluses like those seen in plantar warts.
Trimming down the dead tissue reduces corn and callus size. Verrucas ultimately require destruction of infected tissue to resolve. Minor surgery or acids may be used on stubborn corns or calluses if debridement proves ineffective.
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum results from an infection with the molluscum contagiosum virus. The small, rounded bumps have an umbilicated, waxy appearance that may be confused with warts. However, molluscum bumps tend to be glossier, smoother and more dome-shaped than the rough surface of warts.
Molluscum lesions are also usually more numerous and clustered together. Extracting the inner core effectively treats molluscum contagiosum. Warts require tissue destruction or triggering an immune response to clear the viral infection.
Actinic keratosis
Actinic keratoses, also known as solar keratoses, are scaly, crusty lesions caused by sun exposure that superficially resemble some wart types. But actinic keratoses emerge on sun-exposed areas while warts frequently affect hands, knees and elbow creases. Actinic keratoses also develop a rough, sandpaper texture and can progress to skin cancer if untreated.
Warts do not lead to cancer. Actinic keratoses are managed by surgically scraping off lesions or topical creams tailored to an individual’s needs. Warts are treated by stimulating immune clearance, surgical removal or destruction.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if:
– The growth is painful, bleeding, or rapidly changing
– You are unsure of the diagnosis
– Warts persist despite over-the-counter treatments
– Warts interfere with function or quality of life
– The wart has an unusual appearance
Dermatologists can definitively diagnose benign skin growths versus warts with a skin examination. They can rule out precancerous or cancerous lesions masquerading as warts. Doctors can select appropriate wart treatment based on factors like wart type, location and number. They may employ methods like cryotherapy, surgical excision, laser therapy or topical products.
Takeaway
While warts have distinctive features, they can be mistaken for other common benign skin growths like skin tags, seborrheic keratoses and calluses. Seeking input from a medical professional ensures an accurate diagnosis. With appropriate treatment, bothersome warts can be removed leading to healthy, beautiful skin.