Mole (Nevus)

What it is:
A mole is a benign growth of pigment-producing melanocyte cells. It originates from the deeper layer of the skin (dermis/epidermis junction).

How it looks:

• Brown, black, tan, or flesh-colored

• Flat or slightly raised

• Uniform color (usually)

• Circular/oval

• Hair may grow from it (normal)

• Doesn’t spread from one part of the body to another

Feels like: Smooth, well-defined borders.

Cause:

• Genetics

• Sun exposure

• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty)

Risk:

• Rarely can transform into melanoma → important to monitor for ABCDE changes:

  • Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color change, Diameter >6mm, Evolving.

Wart

What it is:
A wart is a viral infection of the skin caused by HPV (human papillomavirus).

How it looks:

• Rough, grainy surface (“cauliflower-like”)

• Can be skin-colored, brown, or grey

• Often small dots inside (thrombosed capillaries—black dots)

• Can appear anywhere

• Grows outward, not under the skin

Feels like: Rough, firm, sometimes painful (especially plantar warts on feet).

Cause:

• Direct HPV infection

• Spread by contact, shaving, touching, sharing towels, salon instruments, etc.

• Highly contagious

Risk:

• Spreads easily

• Can multiply

• Needs treatment (cryotherapy, CO₂ laser, electrocautery, immunotherapy)

Skin Tag (Acrochordon)

What it is:
A benign soft overgrowth of normal skin, usually occurring in friction areas.

How it looks:

• Soft, small, flesh-colored

• Pedunculated (attached by a thin stalk)

• Moves when touched

• Never pigmented like a mole

Feels like: Very soft, floppy, hangs off the skin.

Cause:

• Friction (neck, underarms, groin)

• Obesity

• Diabetes / insulin resistance

• Pregnancy

• Genetics

Risk:

• Zero cancer risk

• Not contagious

• Only removed for cosmetic reasons or irritation

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