Skin growths are common, and distinguishing between types like moles and skin tags can be confusing. While often harmless, moles and skin tags possess distinct characteristics. Understanding these differences is important for identifying typical skin changes and knowing when to seek medical advice.
Understanding Moles
Moles, also known as nevi, are common skin growths that form when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment, grow in clusters. Most people develop several moles throughout their lives, appearing as small, typically dark brown spots. Moles can be flat or slightly raised.
They can be present at birth or develop later, often influenced by sun exposure. Moles are generally consistent in color, such as shades of brown, black, or tan, and often have a smooth texture.
Understanding Skin Tags
Skin tags, medically termed acrochordons, are small, soft, benign growths. They typically appear as small flaps of skin that hang off the body, often connected by a slender stalk. They are generally the same color as the surrounding skin or slightly darker.
Skin tags commonly develop in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. Their formation is often associated with friction. Irritation can occur if they are frequently rubbed or snagged.
Key Distinguishing Features
Differentiating between moles and skin tags involves observing several specific visual characteristics. Moles are typically pigmented, ranging from light brown to black, though they can also be pink, red, or blue. They can be flat or raised and commonly have a round or oval shape with smooth, defined borders. Moles often measure less than 6 millimeters, roughly the size of a pencil eraser.
Skin tags, in contrast, are usually flesh-colored or slightly darker, often appearing as an extension of the skin. They are soft to the touch and commonly protrude from the skin on a narrow stalk, giving them a distinct hanging appearance. Skin tags are generally smaller than moles, typically measuring between 1 to 5 millimeters, though some can grow larger. Moles can appear anywhere on the body, including sun-exposed areas, while skin tags primarily form in skin folds or areas subject to friction, like the eyelids, neck, or underarms. Moles may change in size, shape, or color over time, but skin tags typically do not evolve once formed.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a medical professional for any new skin growth or changes in existing moles. For moles, dermatologists use the “ABCDE” rule to identify potential signs of melanoma. “A” is for asymmetry, where one half of the mole does not match the other. “B” is for border irregularity, meaning edges are uneven, notched, or blurred.
“C” refers to color variation, indicating inconsistent shades of brown, black, tan, or areas of white, red, or blue within the mole. “D” represents diameter, as melanomas are typically larger than 6 millimeters. “E” signifies evolving changes, such as a mole changing in size, shape, color, or developing new symptoms like itching, tenderness, or bleeding. While skin tags are almost always benign, a medical professional should evaluate any skin tag that bleeds, becomes painful, or exhibits rapid growth.
Removal Considerations
Both moles and skin tags can be removed, but this should always be performed by a qualified medical professional. Attempting self-removal can lead to complications such as infection, bleeding, or scarring. Self-removal also risks misdiagnosing a potentially serious growth, delaying proper medical evaluation.
Medical professionals employ various safe and effective methods for removal. Common techniques for moles include surgical excision, shave removal, or laser removal. For skin tags, methods typically involve cryotherapy (freezing), electrocautery (burning), or surgical snip excision. Professional removal ensures proper diagnosis and minimizes risks.