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Skin growths are a normal part of life—and in most cases, nothing to worry about. Still, spotting a new bump, lump, or mark on your skin can raise questions. Is it a wart, a mole, or just a harmless skin tag? Knowing how to identify the difference is the first step toward understanding whether it needs attention or can be safely ignored.
In this guide, we’ll help you tell these three common skin growths apart, explain when it’s worth seeing a professional, and outline your options if you’re thinking about removal. By looking at things like texture, colour, and where the growth appears, you’ll feel more confident in knowing what you’re dealing with—and what to do next.
Warts are small, rough lumps that appear on the skin due to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They’re contagious and can spread through direct contact or by touching contaminated surfaces. Warts commonly develop on the hands, fingers, knees, and feet (where they’re known as verrucas), but they can show up almost anywhere on the body.
Typically, warts are firm, grainy in texture, and flesh-coloured. Some may have a tiny black dot in the centre—this is actually a small clotted blood vessel. Warts are especially common in children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
While many warts go away on their own, they can be stubborn and spread if left untreated. Treatment options include over-the-counter remedies like salicylic acid, professional cryotherapy (freezing), or minor skin procedures offered in clinical settings.
Moles are small clusters of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, which appear as brown, black, or skin-coloured marks on the skin. They can be flat or raised and vary in size and shape. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles, and in the vast majority of cases, they’re completely harmless.
That said, because moles involve pigment cells, there is a small chance they can develop into melanoma—a serious form of skin cancer. This is why it’s important to monitor any mole for changes. Look out for changes in size, colour, shape, or texture, as well as any itching, bleeding, or irregular borders. The ABCDE checklist (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving) is a helpful tool for identifying warning signs.
It is advisable to check your moles over your entire body yourself once every month or two.
If you notice a new lesion, you will need to report it to your GP. Regarding existing pigmented moles, you need to watch for any changes in the shape, border, colour, size and surface. This is known as the rule of the ABCDE mole examination:
A sudden abrupt change in one of the points mentioned above is an alarming sign.
Although most moles won’t need removal, some people choose to have them taken off for cosmetic reasons, or if there’s a concern about skin cancer. If in doubt, it’s best to get a mole checked by a GP or skin specialist.
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, flesh-coloured growths that hang from the skin. They are harmless, non-contagious, and not linked to cancer. Skin tags typically appear in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, or groin. They tend to be more common in older adults, people who are overweight, and individuals with diabetes. While harmless, skin tags can sometimes be irritating if they catch on jewellery or clothing. Removal is usually a straightforward clinic procedure and can be done through freezing (cryotherapy), cutting with sterile scissors, or cauterisation. Since skin tags are benign, removal is usually done for cosmetic or comfort reasons.
Though warts, moles, and skin tags can all show up as small bumps on the skin, each has distinct characteristics. Warts usually have a rough, grainy texture and may feature tiny black dots at their centre. Moles tend to be uniform in colour—ranging from light brown to dark—and can be flat or slightly raised. Skin tags are soft, often hang from a small stalk (pedunculated), and move easily when touched. Their typical locations also differ: warts commonly appear on the hands and feet, skin tags develop in areas where skin rubs together, and moles can form almost anywhere on the body. Unlike warts, which are contagious, moles and skin tags are not. While skin tags and warts are usually harmless, moles—especially those that change in size, shape, or colour—should be monitored closely due to a potential risk of skin cancer.
While most harmless skin growths don’t require medical attention, certain signs should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional. If a mole changes in shape, becomes asymmetrical, shows multiple colours, or starts bleeding, itching, or crusting, it’s important to get it checked. Warts that persist, spread, or cause pain may also need professional treatment. Similarly, if a skin tag becomes irritated, inflamed, or is located in a sensitive area, removal might be advisable. A GP or dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis, and if necessary, perform a biopsy to rule out more serious issues.
There are plenty of misconceptions about skin growths. A common one is that it’s safe to cut off a skin tag at home — while it might seem simple, this can be risky and unhygienic. Another myth is that all moles are dangerous, but most are harmless and only need removal if they cause concern. Some people also think warts have “roots,” but they actually only affect the upper layers of the skin. Most importantly, trying to treat any unknown skin growth without a proper diagnosis can be risky, as what looks like a wart or skin tag could actually be a form of skin cancer. When in doubt, always seek professional advice.
When removing benign skin growths, safety and cleanliness are essential. Treatments should be performed in a clinical environment, especially if a mole or growth has changed in appearance. For warts, common removal methods include cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), topical treatments like salicylic acid, laser therapy, or minor surgery. Shave removal combined with cauterisation is also widely used to safely remove warts by shaving off the wart and sealing the area to prevent bleeding. Skin tags are usually removed easily through cauterisation, cutting, or freezing. Mole removal typically involves surgical excision, with or without stitches depending on how deep the mole is. Recovery times vary, but most procedures involve minimal downtime and carry a low risk of complications.
Even when skin growths are harmless, many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. Moles on the face, skin tags on the neck, or visible warts can impact confidence and self-esteem. If you're considering removal for aesthetic purposes, it's important to understand the potential for scarring. Advanced techniques like laser treatment or radiofrequency can reduce the risk of noticeable marks. In the case of mole removal, careful suturing and precise excision can help achieve a smoother result, especially in more visible areas. A skilled practitioner will talk you through your options and recommend the most cosmetically appropriate approach.
While it’s not always possible to stop skin growths from forming, certain habits can help reduce your risk. Warts are caused by a viral infection, so avoiding direct contact with infected skin, not sharing towels or razors, and wearing flip-flops in public showers can help prevent them—especially verrucas on the feet. Moles are mostly genetic, but sun exposure can increase their number and alter their appearance, so using SPF and limiting UV exposure is important. Skin tags tend to develop in areas of friction and may be linked to weight or metabolic changes. Keeping a healthy weight and managing blood sugar levels may reduce the likelihood of developing them.
There’s no shortage of DIY solutions online for removing skin tags and warts—ranging from apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil to duct tape. While some of these may have anecdotal support, they often lack strong clinical evidence and can lead to skin irritation, infection, or scarring. Moles, especially those that are dark, changing, or raised, should never be treated at home due to the risk of overlooking signs of skin cancer. For skin tags and warts, professional assessment is always the safest option. A trained practitioner can confirm what the growth is and remove it safely using sterile techniques with minimal risk.
Warts are especially common in children, largely because of close physical contact in schools and playgrounds, and because their immune systems are still developing. Most warts will go away on their own over time, but if they become painful, bothersome, or spread quickly, gentle treatment might be needed. Moles are also normal in children and typically harmless, though any changes in size, shape, or colour should be checked by a healthcare professional. Skin tags are less common in younger children but can sometimes appear during adolescence, especially in areas of friction. It's best to explain any skin growths to children calmly and avoid home remedies, which can cause unnecessary discomfort or anxiety. A reassuring visit to a GP or dermatologist is the safest approach.
Once a mole, wart, or skin tag has been removed, good aftercare is key to promoting healing and reducing the risk of scarring. You may be advised to use an antiseptic or antibiotic cream, keep the area clean and dry, and protect it from direct sunlight while it heals. It’s important to monitor the area for any signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, or discharge.
If the mole was removed due to suspicious changes, your clinician might suggest regular follow-up skin checks. Keeping a record of your moles—such as taking clear photos once or twice a year—can help you and your healthcare provider track any future changes more easily.
While GPs can assess many common skin issues, dermatologists specialise in diagnosing and treating skin conditions in greater depth. They use tools like dermatoscopes to examine moles more closely and can carry out biopsies if something looks suspicious. For moles located in delicate or highly visible areas—like the face—a dermatologist may refer you to a plastic surgeon to ensure the best cosmetic outcome.
If you have several skin growths, persistent warts, or concerns about possible skin cancer, booking a consultation with a dermatologist is a smart move. They offer expert diagnosis, tailored treatment options, and guidance for ongoing skin health.
Hormonal fluctuations can play a significant role in the appearance of skin growths. During pregnancy, for example, it’s common to notice the development of new moles or skin tags—particularly in areas where skin rubs together, like the neck or underarms. These changes are typically harmless and often fade after childbirth, but any mole that changes rapidly in size, shape, or colour should be checked by a professional to rule out more serious concerns.
Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance are also linked to a higher likelihood of developing skin tags. While these growths are benign, they can be bothersome or prone to irritation.
In most cases, persistent or irritating growths can be removed safely, even during or after pregnancy. Managing underlying hormonal conditions and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help reduce the likelihood of developing new skin growths. Keeping an eye on changes and knowing what’s typical for your body ensures you can seek timely advice if something doesn’t look or feel right.
Skin growths can appear on all skin types, but how they look and how they respond to treatment can vary in people with darker skin tones. Warts, for instance, may appear more raised or deeply pigmented, and skin tags or moles can blend in more with the surrounding skin—making changes harder to notice. It’s especially important to monitor any growth that changes in size, shape, or colour, as pigmented moles in darker skin can still develop into melanoma, even if this is less common.
Treatment also requires a more tailored approach. People with darker skin tones may be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or keloid scarring after removal. For this reason, dermatologists often recommend gentler methods such as radiofrequency removal or surgical snipping over cryotherapy or aggressive lasers, which can lead to uneven pigmentation.
Choosing a practitioner who understands the nuances of treating darker skin ensures better outcomes—both medically and cosmetically. Accurate diagnosis and skin-sensitive treatment methods help minimise scarring and protect long-term skin health.
Even harmless skin growths can have a significant effect on how people feel about themselves—especially when they’re in prominent areas like the face, neck, or hands. Warts, moles, and skin tags may lead to feelings of embarrassment or self-consciousness. Children and teenagers might experience teasing or bullying, while adults can feel less confident in social or professional situations.
Fortunately, many of these concerns can be addressed with simple and minimally invasive treatments. Clinics increasingly recognise that the emotional impact of visible skin growths is a valid reason to seek removal. Consultations are typically supportive and non-judgemental, focusing on both physical comfort and self-image.
Whether it’s for practical reasons or a boost in confidence, choosing to remove a skin growth is a personal decision—and an important step in caring for your overall wellbeing. Feeling comfortable in your skin isn’t just about appearance—it’s about peace of mind.
As we grow older, it’s common to notice more skin growths such as moles, warts, and skin tags. Factors like long-term sun exposure, genetics, and ongoing friction from clothing all play a role. Skin tags often appear in areas like the neck, underarms, or groin, while existing moles may change in texture or become more raised with time. Older adults are also more likely to develop seborrhoeic keratoses—wart-like, pigmented growths that resemble moles but are completely benign.
However, any new or changing mole, especially after the age of 40, should be checked by a professional. The risk of skin cancer increases with age, making regular skin checks and prompt attention to unusual changes particularly important.
Cosmetic concerns don’t disappear with age, and many people choose to have growths removed for comfort or confidence. Today’s treatments are well-suited for mature or sensitive skin, offering safe, minimally invasive solutions tailored to individual needs.
Some skin growths appear in delicate or hard-to-reach spots like the eyelids, groin, or under the breasts. Skin tags are particularly common in these areas due to frequent friction and moisture. Warts can also occur on the genitals (known as genital warts), caused by certain HPV strains and always requiring medical evaluation.
Removing growths in sensitive areas demands extra caution to prevent pain, scarring, or infection. Clinics typically use precise methods such as cauterisation, laser therapy or minor surgical procedures tailored for these regions. Self-treatment is strongly discouraged—especially near the eyes or genitals—as it risks injury or spreading infection.
If a growth in a sensitive area causes discomfort, bleeding, or embarrassment, it’s best to consult a doctor or dermatologist. They can recommend the safest and least invasive removal options. There’s no need to tolerate irritation or discomfort, even in private areas—effective and gentle treatments are available.
It’s not uncommon for some skin growths to return after removal, particularly warts. Since warts are caused by a virus, they may come back if the virus remains active in the skin, often requiring multiple treatments to fully clear.
Skin tags don’t typically “grow back” once removed, but new ones can develop in the same area due to ongoing friction or hormonal changes. Moles usually don’t return if completely removed, though partial removal can leave behind pigment or lead to regrowth.
If a growth reappears and looks different from before, it’s important to have it checked again. Any recurring mole or lesion that changes in colour, shape, or size should be assessed by a medical professional to rule out cancer.
When removal is done by a trained specialist and proper aftercare is followed, the chances of recurrence are low. Staying vigilant after treatment helps keep your skin healthy and prevents future issues.
When it comes to unusual skin growths, there are some important guidelines to keep in mind:
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Taking care of your skin means addressing both cosmetic and medical concerns seriously. Whether dealing with warts, moles, or skin tags, there are safe and professional treatment options available. Thanks to advances in medicine, these solutions are now more effective, discreet, and accessible than ever before.
Skin growths such as warts, moles, and skin tags are common and usually harmless. However, if they cause discomfort or affect your confidence, you don’t have to simply live with them. The important thing is to understand what you’re dealing with, keep an eye on any changes, and seek professional advice when unsure.
At Minor Surgery Clinic, we offer a range of safe and effective treatments such as shave removal or surgical excision, with minimal downtime. Whether you want reassurance, relief, or a cosmetic improvement, taking care of your skin starts with knowing your options.
If you’re concerned about any skin growths, get in touch with us today to arrange a consultation with the Minor Surgery Clinic.