Skin tags and Moles can affect one’s self-esteem, especially when they are on visible parts of the body. For people who have these growths, it is often difficult to feel comfortable with their skin exposed, whether in private or in public. Most people are however unaware when it comes to the differences between skin tags and moles as they appear and sometimes feel similar.

But what exactly is the difference between moles and skin tags – and are there safe and effective forms of treatment that can help get rid of these imperfections of the skin?

What is a Skin Tag and how to identify it?

Skin tags are soft, small balloon-shaped benign skin growths connected to the surface of the body by a thin stalk of skin. Harmless and extremely common, skin tags usually occur in areas where the skin folds, like the armpits, groin, buttock folds, neck, under the breasts, and eyelids. A majority of skin tags are asymptomatic, which means that they don’t cause any symptoms.

Skin tags or acrochordon can occur in anyone but tend to increase in number the older you get. They are commonly seen in obese and overweight people, possibly because of increased rubbing of skin folds or irritation. Ageing processes or hormonal factors may also play a significant role in the development of skin tags.

What is a Mole and how to identify it?

Moles are skin growths developing from melanocytes (clusters of pigment cells). Typically, they’re found on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. A common mole is usually oval or round, and smaller than 1/4-inch-wide with a distinct edge and a smooth surface. Usually, it has an even colour of brown, tan, reddish brown, red, purple, or pink. It is important to note that moles occur in all races (Asian, Caucasian, Indian, and African) and skin colours and anywhere on the skin, including the ears, soles of feet, genitals, scalp, lips, and palms. They may be present at birth or appear gradually through the teenage years and into adulthood.

Difference between Skin Tags And Moles?

Skin tags are usually colourless and caused by friction. Moles, on the other hand, are caused by genetics and sun damage. They can come in the shades of tan, reddish-brown, red, purple, brown, or pink. No hair grows from skin tags, while the hair may grow out of moles.

How to remove skin tags?

Globally, doctors recommend the removal of skin tags only when they’re a source of discomfort or irritation, or if they are causing a cosmetic problem. A skincare specialist may remove skin tags by cutting or tying them after injecting the patient with a small dose of local anesthesia. Alternatively, the dermatologist can remove skin tags by cutting them off with medical scissors or a scalpel, by burning it off with an electric current (electrosurgery), or by freezing it off (cryosurgery).

TagBand, an out-of-the-box product, has been designed to assist in the removal of skin tags from every part of the human body, with the exceptions of the eyes. Customers using the range of TagBand products have reported that the skin tag removal device has consistently assisted with the removal unwanted skin at home. If you have any questions related to how TagBand can help remove skin tags please do get in touch.