All of us have moles and skin tags in one place or another, and they can appear on both the body and face. Moles (pictured, also known as beauty or birth marks) are growths on the skin that are usually brown or reddish and can either be flat or raised. They are caused by skin cells forming in clusters.
Skin tags are similar to moles in some respects, except they are skin-coloured and are produced from loose collagen fibres and blood vessels. They tend to appear in areas where the skin creases, such as the neck, armpits, elbows and (in women) under the breasts.
Skin tags are harmless. In most cases, moles are benign too, but you should always seek medical advice if one changes shape, size or colour, or become irritated, as this is a sign that it could become cancerous.
Most people who want a mole or skin tag removed do so for cosmetic, personal reasons. Procedures for this are straightforward, permanent and safe, and use the most advanced techniques available. These are only ever performed by qualified doctors.
