🩺 Moles vs. Skin Tags: A Dermatologist's Guide to What's on Your Skin
🩺 A Dermatologist's Guide to Moles and Skin Tags 🩺
❗ CRITICAL MEDICAL WARNING: Any new, changing, or unusual spot on your skin must be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist. Self-diagnosis is dangerous. Early detection of skin cancer is crucial. This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for a professional medical examination.
Finding a new spot or bump on your skin can be a source of anxiety. However, it is important to know that the vast majority of skin growths are completely harmless. The two most common types you will encounter are moles and skin tags.
While both are typically benign, they are very different types of growths. Understanding the difference can give you peace of mind. Most importantly, knowing the warning signs for a potentially dangerous mole is a critical life skill. Let's get to know your skin better. ✅
🤔 First, What is a Skin Tag?
A skin tag, medically known as an acrochordon, is a small, soft, benign growth that hangs off the skin. They are typically flesh-colored or slightly darker and are connected to the body by a small, thin stalk. They are extremely common and are not cancerous.
They usually appear in areas of friction, such as:
- The neck
- Armpits
- Groin and under the breasts
They are completely harmless, but they can become irritated if they get caught on clothing or jewelry.
- What is a Mole?
A mole, medically known as a nevus, is also a very common type of skin growth. It is a cluster of pigmented cells called melanocytes. Most people have them, and the vast majority are benign.
A normal, common mole is usually an evenly colored brown or tan spot. It can be flat or raised, and is typically round or oval with a smooth, well-defined border. It is important to know what your normal moles look like so you can spot any changes.
- How Can You Tell the Difference?
Here is a simple breakdown of the key differences between moles and skin tags:
- Appearance: Skin tags are soft and hang off the skin. Moles are typically flatter or form a smooth, solid bump on the skin's surface.
- Color: Skin tags are usually flesh-colored. Moles are typically brown or black due to their pigment cells.
- Cause: Skin tags are primarily caused by friction. Moles are clusters of pigment cells that you are often born with or develop over time.
⚠️ When Should You Be Worried About a Mole? (The ABCDEs of Melanoma)
This is the most important part of this guide. While most moles are harmless, some can develop into a serious form of skin cancer called melanoma. You should perform a skin self-exam once a month to check for any new or changing spots. The "ABCDE" rule is the best way to spot the warning signs:
A is for Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
B is for Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
C is for Color: The color is not uniform. It may have shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue.
D is for Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
E is for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or develops new symptoms like bleeding or itching.
If any mole fits these criteria, you must see a doctor immediately. The end of summer and the start of autumn is a perfect time to schedule your annual skin check with a dermatologist. Early detection saves lives. 🩺