At Aglow Dermatology, we provide expert evaluation and treatment of benign skin growths, including skin tags, warts, and other common lesions. Because many of these growths can look similar, a proper diagnosis is important before treatment—especially when deciding the safest and most effective removal method.
This page serves as a central overview of benign growth destruction, with links to specific treatment pages such as skin tag removal, wart treatment, and other growth-related procedures.
What Are Skin Tags, Warts, and Seborrheic Keratoses?
Many patients are surprised to learn that not all “bumps” on the skin are the same. While they may look similar, their causes and treatments differ significantly.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are soft, benign growths that commonly appear on the neck, underarms, eyelids, or groin. They are harmless but can become irritated by friction, jewelry, or clothing. Skin tags are not infectious.
Warts
Warts are caused by a viral infection (human papillomavirus, or HPV). Because they are infectious, they can spread through skin contact or autoinoculation (spreading to other areas of your own body). Warts may require more aggressive or repeated treatment compared to skin tags.
Seborrheic Keratoses
Seborrheic keratoses are very common, benign “stuck-on” appearing growths that often develop with age. They can sometimes look like warts or even skin cancer, which is why clinical evaluation is important. They are not infectious and do not spread.
Because these lesions can overlap in appearance, a dermatologist’s evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options for Skin Tags, Warts, and Benign Growths
At Aglow Dermatology, treatment is tailored based on the type of lesion, location, and patient preference.
Common treatment methods include:
- Snip removal (simple excision of skin tags)
- Electrosurgery (“burning off” lesions)
- Laser removal for precision treatment and cosmetic areas
- Shave removal with optional pathology (lab evaluation)
In some cases, we may send removed tissue to the lab to confirm the diagnosis, especially if there is any uncertainty about the lesion type.
What We Do NOT Routinely Use
While some practices use cryotherapy (freezing), we do not rely on this method in our office. Instead, we evaluate each lesion individually and select the most precise and effective approach for removal and cosmetic outcome.
Why Proper Evaluation Matters
Not every lesion should be treated the same way. A growth that appears to be a skin tag may actually be a wart or seborrheic keratosis. In rare cases, lesions can mimic more serious conditions.
A proper dermatologic evaluation ensures:
- Correct diagnosis
- Safe removal method
- Minimal scarring
- Reduced recurrence (especially for warts)
Related Treatment Pages
Learn more about specific procedures:
When Should You Seek Treatment?
You may consider evaluation and removal if a lesion is:
- Irritated or bleeding
- Growing or changing
- Catching on clothing or jewelry
- Unsightly or cosmetically bothersome
- Uncertain in diagnosis
For warts, early treatment is especially helpful since they can spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Skin tags are benign, non-infectious growths, while warts are caused by a virus and can spread.
No, they are benign. However, they can resemble other lesions, which is why evaluation is important.
Most procedures leave minimal scarring, especially when performed with precise techniques. Cosmetic outcome depends on lesion size and location.
They can, because they are viral. Multiple treatments are sometimes needed.
Not always. If a lesion is clinically typical, it may not require pathology. However, uncertain or atypical lesions can be sent for confirmation.
Schedule a Consultation
H2: Schedule a Consultation
If you have a skin tag, wart, or any uncertain skin growth, Aglow Dermatology can evaluate it and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
We serve patients across New York City, Hoboken, Jersey City, and the greater New Jersey area, offering both medical precision and cosmetic-focused care.
Call to Action:
Schedule a consultation today to have your skin growth safely evaluated and treated with expert dermatologic care.