Moles and skin tags: how they differ

A mole is usually a flat or raised cluster of pigment-producing cells and may be brown, black, pink, or close to your natural skin tone. A skin tag is commonly a soft, flesh-coloured piece of tissue that hangs from a narrow base, often where skin rubs against skin or clothing. Appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis: a dark, firm, bleeding, or rapidly changing growth should not be assumed to be a skin tag.

Inspect the area in good light and note its location, colour, surface, and whether it catches on clothing or jewellery. Photograph it if monitoring is advised. Keep rubbing areas clean and avoid tying, cutting, burning, or using unlabelled products. A clinician can identify the lesion and discuss options such as [Skin Tag Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-tag-removal/), [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/), or [Electrosurgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/electrosurgery/) when suitable.

Arrange a dermatology review if the growth changes in colour, border, size, or surface, bleeds without clear trauma, develops a sore that does not settle, or becomes persistently painful or itchy. Seek prompt care for ongoing bleeding or signs of infection such as spreading redness, warmth, or discharge. The symptom is a reason to examine the lesion; it does not by itself identify what the lesion is.

Ask what the growth most closely resembles, whether it needs magnified examination, and which removal method suits its base and location. Ask how the site will heal and whether removed tissue should be sent for laboratory assessment.