Quick Comparison Table
Here's a quick reference to help you distinguish between these three common skin growths:
Mole
- Often flat or slightly raised
- Usually brown, tan, or black
- Smooth surface
- Often stable over time
- Can appear anywhere
Skin Tag
- Soft, fleshy, on a "stalk"
- Skin-colored or darker
- Smooth, soft texture
- Common in skin folds
- Usually harmless
Wart
- Rough, cauliflower-like
- May have black dots
- Bumpy, textured surface
- Can spread or multiply
- Common on hands/feet
What a Mole Typically Looks Like
Moles (nevi) are clusters of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) that appear as spots on the skin. They're extremely common—most adults have between 10 and 40 moles.
Common characteristics of normal moles:
- Shape: Round or oval with smooth, even borders
- Color: Uniform color—usually brown, tan, or black (can also be pink or skin-colored)
- Size: Usually less than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- Surface: Smooth, may be flat or slightly raised
- Location: Can appear anywhere on the body
What a Skin Tag Typically Looks Like
Skin tags (acrochordons) are small, soft, benign growths that hang off the skin on a thin stalk (peduncle). They're very common, especially after middle age.
Common characteristics of skin tags:
- Shape: Small, soft, balloon-like bump on a thin stalk
- Color: Skin-colored or slightly darker
- Size: Usually 2-5mm, but can grow larger
- Surface: Smooth and soft, may appear wrinkled
- Location: Skin folds—neck, armpits, under breasts, groin, eyelids
What a Wart Typically Looks Like
Warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the top layer of skin. They're contagious and can appear anywhere on the body.
Common characteristics of warts:
- Shape: Rough, raised bump with irregular surface
- Color: Flesh-colored, white, pink, or tan (can have black dots)
- Texture: Rough and bumpy—often described as "cauliflower-like"
- Surface: May have tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels)
- Location: Hands and fingers most common; also feet (plantar warts)
Red Flags That Need Medical Attention
While most moles, skin tags, and warts are harmless, certain signs warrant a visit to your doctor:
- A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
- Irregular or ragged borders on any growth
- Multiple colors within the same spot
- Bleeding or oozing without injury
- A growth that looks different from all your others
- Any spot that doesn't heal within a few weeks
- Rapid growth over weeks or months
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure about a spot?
Use our free mole checker for AI-powered screening insights.