It is common to encounter various growths on the skin, and two frequently confused types are moles and skin tags. While both are generally harmless, they possess distinct characteristics and origins. Understanding the differences between these common skin formations can help in identifying them correctly and knowing when professional medical advice might be beneficial.
Understanding Moles
Moles, also known as nevi, are common skin growths that form when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment, cluster together instead of distributing evenly throughout the skin. Most individuals develop between 10 and 40 moles by adulthood, with new ones appearing during childhood and into adulthood.
Moles vary in color from pink, tan, or brown to black, and sometimes blue or red. They can be flat or raised, smooth or wrinkled, and some may have hair growing from them. Most moles are small, often less than 6 millimeters in diameter, and can appear anywhere on the body, including areas not exposed to the sun.
Understanding Skin Tags
Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are soft, benign growths that project from the skin. They are small, flesh-colored or slightly darker, and composed of collagen fibers and blood vessels, covered by skin. They often hang from a narrow stalk. Skin tags are usually small, ranging from 1 to 5 millimeters.
Skin tags develop in areas where skin rubs against itself or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin, and under the breasts. Their development is associated with friction, genetics, aging, obesity, and hormonal changes.
Distinguishing Features
Moles originate from pigment-producing cells and have a distinct color, usually shades of brown or black, due to melanin concentration. Their shape can be round or oval, with a smooth or slightly textured surface, and they can be flat or raised from the skin. Moles are fixed to the skin’s surface without a stalk.
In contrast, skin tags are soft, flesh-colored or slightly darker growths that hang from the skin by a slender stalk. Their texture is soft and smooth, unlike the varied texture of a mole. Skin tags are found in skin folds and areas prone to friction, while moles can appear anywhere on the body, including sun-exposed areas. Moles may also change color or size over time, which is less common for skin tags.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most moles are harmless, it is important to monitor them for changes that could indicate melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. The “ABCDEs” rule serves as a helpful guide for self-examination: “A” for asymmetry, meaning one half does not match the other. “B” stands for irregular, notched, or blurred borders. “C” refers to color variations, where the mole has inconsistent shades of tan, brown, black, or even red, white, or blue. “D” indicates diameter, with moles larger than 6 millimeters, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, raising concern. “E” signifies evolving, or any change in size, shape, color, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding.
Skin tags are benign and do not pose a health risk. However, medical consultation is advisable if a skin tag causes irritation, becomes painful, bleeds, or undergoes a sudden change in appearance. Seek professional evaluation if uncertain whether a growth is a skin tag, a mole, or another type of skin lesion, as some cancerous growths can resemble skin tags.
Removal Options
If a mole or skin tag requires removal, a qualified healthcare professional should perform it. For moles, common removal methods include surgical excision, where the mole is cut out and the area is stitched, or shave excision, which involves shaving the mole flush with the skin. Laser removal is also an option. The method chosen depends on the mole’s size, depth, and location.
For skin tags, removal techniques include cryotherapy, which freezes the skin tag with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off. Surgical excision can snip off the tag. Ligation involves tying off the base of the skin tag to cut off its blood supply. Cauterization, using heat to burn off the growth, is another method. Before any removal, a proper diagnosis ensures the appropriate and safest procedure.