Just about everyone is familiar with the terms freckle and mole. They both refer to tiny, dark circles in the skin, but many people don’t know the difference. While freckles and moles often seem very similar, and some people may even use the terms interchangeably, the truth is that these marks are both quite different. Here’s how you can tell the difference between freckles and moles.
What is a Freckle?
Freckles occur when the melanocytes in small patches of skin cells have produced more melanin than the surrounding cells. These small spots are always flat and usually some shade of brown. They often occur naturally but can also be produced through sun exposure, especially in people with lighter skin. Freckles almost always occur in groups.
What is a Mole?
Moles occur when the melanin-producing melanocytes cluster together more densely in one spot rather than the way they are diffused throughout the rest of the skin. The spots can be flat or slightly raised and appear in colors from brown to black to pink or even blue. Sun exposure can increase moles, but generally, the number is genetically determined.
Potential Health Concerns
Neither freckles nor moles are a cause of concern on their own. While they may be unsightly, they are generally benign. Still, though freckles are never malignant, they can be a sign that one is more at risk for skin cancer. On the other hand, moles very rarely may become cancerous. The biggest danger, however, is the presence of cancer spots which one may mistake for a mole or freckle.
Treat Your Moles and Freckles at Texas Skin & Vein
If you are concerned about a mole, freckle, or a spot on your skin you can’t identify, you shouldn’t hesitate to get it looked at. Contact Texas Skin & Vein and schedule an appointment to get it looked at today.
