What Are Skin Tags And Moles And What Is The Difference?

Skin tags, moles and warts often fall under the category of benign skin conditions. For the most part both skin tags and warts are always benign and don't potentially become cancerous. On the other hand moles have been known to become cancerous.

Moles are growth on the skin that are usually brown or black and can appear anywhere either alone or in groups. Most of these moles begin to make an appearance in early childhood as well as during the first 20 years. Some moles can appear later in life but the majority will appear before age 20. It is very normal for the average adult to have between 10 and 40 moles. Often as the years pass these moles will change slowly and either become raised or can change color. Some moles may even begin to grow hair.

Most moles are not dangerous but there are some specific criteria which dermatologists use in order to evaluate the likelihood that a mole will turn cancerous. If you notice a change in the color, height, size or shape you should have a mole evaluated by a dermatologist and potentially have a biopsy completed. If the mole begins to bleed, ooze, itch become tender or painful or appear scaly these are also signs that you must be evaluated by a dermatologist.