Difference Between Warts, Moles & Skin Tags Explained

Monderma

Oliver Belcher

05 Mar 2025

Moles form from pigment cells
Warts spread through viral contact
Skin tags rise from friction
Each growth behaves differently
Understanding supports choices with Monderma

Skin growths such as warts and moles and skin tags can look similar at first, which creates uncertainty for many readers noticing new marks on their skin. These benign lesions of the skin often affect comfort or confidence.

In this article, we explain what each growth is, why it forms, and how to recognise key differences. You will see simple ways to compare appearance, cause, and care so decisions feel clearer.

What Are Warts?

Warts are benign lesions of the skin caused by human papillomavirus, which spreads through direct contact or shared surfaces [3,4]. Their rough surface helps distinguish them from smoother moles.

Warts may display tiny black dots from clotted vessels. They appear most often on hands, feet, fingers, and other areas exposed to friction or moisture.

Wart Features

Feature	Summary
Colour	Skin coloured or white with rough texture
Shape and size	Small, raised, irregular, with a grainy surface
Texture	Black dots may be present within the growth
Location	Hands, fingers, feet, knees, and other contact points

Table 2: Features of warts

Although harmless, warts can cause discomfort on weight bearing skin. Around ten percent of people may have warts at any time, especially children and young adults [4].

What Are Moles?

Moles are benign lesions of the skin formed when melanocytes cluster instead of spreading evenly, creating brown or black areas with varied shapes and textures [1]. Some atypical moles may carry melanoma risk [2].

Moles can be flat or raised. They may sit alone or in groups and often remain unchanged for years. Colour may vary from light brown to almost black depending on pigment [1].

Mole Features

Feature	Summary
Colour	Brown, black, or occasionally skin coloured or bluish
Shape and size	Often round or oval, usually under six millimetres
Texture	Flat or raised with smooth or slightly uneven surfaces
Location	Can appear anywhere on the skin surface

Table 1: Features of moles

Most moles stay harmless. People with more than fifty moles or several atypical moles have higher melanoma likelihood, so steady monitoring helps early recognition [2].

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are soft benign growths that rise where skin rubs on itself. Their flexible, smooth structure helps distinguish them from warts or the firmer outline of moles.

They appear in folds such as the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts. They may increase slowly over time in areas with repeated friction [6].

Skin Tag Features

Feature	Summary
Colour	Usually skin coloured
Shape and size	Small, protruding, often elongated
Texture	Soft and smooth
Location	Neck, armpits, groin, and other folds

Table 3: Features of skin tags

Key Differences

Many assume all benign lesions of the skin behave in similar ways, which leads to misunderstandings. Atypical moles may develop into melanoma [2], while warts spread through viral contact [3]. Skin tags do not spread and carry no cancer risk.

Comparison Of Growth Types

Moles	Warts	Skin tags
Smooth or slightly raised, brown or black [1]	Rough, grainy, may show black dots [3]	Soft, protruding, skin coloured [6]
Melanocyte clustering, not infectious [1]	Human papillomavirus infection [3]	Removal if irritated or cosmetic

Table 4: Comparison of moles, warts, and skin tags

Cause

Moles form from melanocyte clustering [1]. Warts arise from viral contact [3]. Skin tags come from friction in folds [6].

Risk & Contagion

Moles rarely progress to melanoma and do not spread [2]. Warts spread easily but stay benign [4]. Skin tags do not spread.

Treatment

Moles need no treatment unless changing. Warts may need salicylic acid or liquid nitrogen, with cryotherapy reaching about seventy percent resolution [5]. Skin tags can be removed for comfort.

Risk Factors & Removal

Sun exposure increases melanoma likelihood in atypical moles [2]. Warts spread more in warm and moist environments [4]. Skin tags form where friction persists [6].

Liquid nitrogen supports wart removal. Surgical care may be used for suspicious moles or bothersome skin tags [5,6]. Dermatology review ensures correct technique and safety.

When To Seek Dermatology Advice

Seek assessment if a mole changes size, colour, or shape, as these may signal melanoma [2]. Persistent or painful warts may need care such as liquid nitrogen [5]. Any lesion that bleeds, irritates, or inflames should be reviewed promptly.

Conclusion

The difference between warts, moles, and skin tags lies in their appearance, causes, and management needs. While most are harmless, monitoring for changes and understanding their patterns can help support calm, confident skin care decisions.

If you would like personalised skincare for your own concerns, you can explore a tailored formula through Monderma.

Content is for informational purposes only. Monderma treatments are prescribed following consultation. Results and timeframes can vary. Use as directed by your prescriber.