How To Tell The Difference Between Warts, Skin Tags, & Moles
Moles, skin tags, and warts can be not only irritating but also quite confusing at times. Fortunately, none of them pose a significant health risk.
However, they can be bothersome, and taking steps to understand and differentiate between them can greatly improve your quality of life. In this blog post, we'll show you how to distinguish between moles, warts, and skin tags, allowing you to make informed decisions about spot removal when necessary.
What Are SKIN TAGS?
Skin tags, also called acrochordons, are benign skin growths that typically look like small, fleshy protrusions. Most are painless and appear in areas where the skin rubs against the skin or clothing. The presence of these lesions tends to increase with age, and although they do not carry any health risks, some people opt to have them removed due to irritation or for cosmetic reasons.
Where Do Skin Tags Usually Appear?
Skin tags can appear anywhere on the body, but the most common areas they appear are:
Neck
Underarms
Groin
Eyelids
Beneath the Breasts
What Do Skin Tags Look Like?
Skin tags typically appear as flesh-colored or slightly darker bumps, often with a narrow stalk attaching them to the skin's surface, giving them a pendulum-like appearance.
What Are WARTS?
Warts are common skin growths caused by viruses. Like all viruses, they are contagious and can spread through direct contact or by sharing personal items. Warts may also develop in clusters, and some types, such as plantar warts, are painful when located on pressure points, such as the soles of the feet. These skin lesions are typically characterized by a rough and raised texture.
Where Do Warts Usually Appear?
Warts can appear anywhere on the body, but the most common areas they appear are:
Hands
Fingers
Feet
Face
Arms & Legs
What Do Warts Look Like?
Warts are generally grainy or cauliflower-like in appearance, and they range in size from tiny pinheads to several centimeters. It is possible for them to be skin-colored, pink, tan, or brown in color.
What Are MOLES?
Moles, also known as "nevi" in medical terminology, are common skin growths. The majority of moles are flat or slightly raised, but some may have a dome-like appearance. Moles are typically harmless, and many people have them. However, keeping an eye on moles for changes in size, shape, color, or texture can signal skin cancer and should prompt consultation with a dermatologist.
Where Do Moles Usually Appear?
Moles can appear anywhere on the body, but the most common areas they appear are:
Face
Neck
Torso
Arms & Legs
Hands & Fingers
What Do Moles Look Like?
Moles typically appear as small, pigmented spots on the skin's surface. They are generally round or oval in shape and can vary in size from a fraction of a millimeter to several centimeters across. Moles are typically tan, brown, or black in color, although they can also be flesh-colored.
What are the chances of skin tags, warts, and moles going away on their own?
It is important to note that although some of these skin growths may resolve on their own, their persistence or changes in appearance should not be ignored. Any sudden or significant changes in size, shape, color, or texture of skin tags, warts, or moles should be evaluated by a dermatologist or healthcare professional, as they could be indicative of underlying health concerns, including skin cancer.
Here at LIV Dermatology, we understand that individuals may have concerns about these skin growths and may seek their removal for cosmetic reasons or due to discomfort. Rest assured, our team of experienced dermatologists offers a range of medical and dermatological treatments that are safe and effective for addressing skin tags, warts, and moles.
