Right around 1 out of every 100 people is born with a mole. A much larger proportion of the population develops moles later in life. Freckles are another common skin trait that numerous Americans possess.
Learning the difference between freckles vs moles will help you identify them on your own body. Both freckles and moles are both normally harmless and are very common skin traits. That said, knowing the difference is important.
If you are wondering about the differences between freckles vs moles, check out this informative article. In this freckles vs moles guide, we discuss the characteristics indicative of each. Read on to find out all you need to know.
What Are Freckles?
Freckles are small brownish spots often found on people’s faces, arms, legs, and other parts of their bodies. They are very common and are not an indication of anything bad or unhealthy. Some people are born with freckles.
Others develop them later in life, especially if they get lots of sun exposure. Red-haired people are more likely to have freckles, but not all red-haired people have freckles. Some people without red hair have freckles as well.
What Are Moles?
Moles are brown or black growths that appear on a person’s body. They are often larger than freckles and don’t appear in the same clusters. Some, but not all, moles can be dangerous and indicative of skin cancer.
Some people are born with moles. Others develop them later in life, often before age 25. If you are worried about your moles, or they make you self-conscious, consider mole removal to make yourself feel better.
When Should I Worry About Moles or Freckles?
Most moles and freckles are normal skin characteristics that you don’t need to worry about. However, if you notice any of the following signs, you should consult your doctor to take a closer look.
Freckles usually don’t indicate any sort of melanoma. The following pertain to moles only. They are known as the ABCDEs of skin cancer and can indicate the presence of melanoma.
Asymmetric
If you notice the appearance of your mole is asymmetric, it may be cancerous. This means that one part of the mole is noticeably different from the other parts of your mole.
Border
If the borders of your mole are irregular, blurred, or look strange in some other way, they may be dangerous. Also, if you notice that their borders change over time, this could be a problem.
Color
Healthy moles are a uniform color. If you notice that your mole has multiple colors, specifically red or white, or blue, it could merit the attention of a doctor.
Diameter
Any mole larger in diameter than an eraser of a pencil could be problematic. Call your dermatologist right away if you notice any large moles like this.
Evolution
If you notice that your mole changes, it could be a problem. Pay attention to any major changes in size, shape, or color. Consult your doctor if you notice these.
Understand Freckles vs Moles
Knowing the difference between freckles vs moles can help you determine if your skin is healthy or not. In this moles vs freckles guide, we help you determine when a skin trait is dangerous.
Use the information in this article to identify freckles vs moles on your skin or the skin of others. For other information in the same vein as this article, make sure to check back with our site again!
