For those who are not familiar with skin tags, it may be possible to confuse them with the symptoms of another disease such as genital warts, which are contagious. It is important to get the right diagnosis, as genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be passed to a sexual partner.

A summary of the different characteristics:

Skin tags:

• Loose, hanging skin. Stalk-like
• In an area where the skin folds
• In an area of dry skin, not in or around the vagina
• Not painful or itchy
• 1-2 growths

Genital warts:

• Flat and round shape
• Many growths appearing in clusters
• Warts tend to be around the vagina or anus
• Causes itching, pain, or bleeding

As this is a sensitive area and not easy to see what you are doing the best option is to book a consultation with a doctor. Although the NHS are unlikely to offer treatment, they should be able to provide you with a diagnosis.