Skin growths like moles and warts are common occurrences, and distinguishing between them can sometimes be challenging. While both are generally harmless, they have distinct characteristics, origins, and implications for your health. Understanding these differences is important for identifying when a skin growth might require professional medical attention.
Characteristics of Moles
Moles, also known as nevi, are common skin growths that develop when pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes, cluster together instead of spreading evenly throughout the skin. Most adults have between 10 and 40 common moles. These can appear anywhere on the body, including areas not exposed to the sun like the scalp or between fingers and toes.
Moles vary in appearance, often presenting as small, less than 6 millimeters in diameter, brown spots. They can be flat or raised, and their color can range from tan, brown, or black to blue, red, or pink. Some moles may even have hair growing from them. While most moles are benign and stable, new moles can continue to develop until around age 40.
Characteristics of Warts
Warts are noncancerous skin growths caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the skin, often through small cuts or abrasions, leading to an overgrowth of skin cells. This results in the characteristic thickened, hardened outer layer of skin that forms a wart.
Warts vary in appearance. They can be rough, bumpy, or cauliflower-like in texture. Common wart colors include skin-colored, white, pink, or tan, and they may feature small black or brownish dots, which are actually clotted blood vessels. Warts are contagious and can spread to other parts of the body or to other people through direct contact.
Key Distinguishing Features
Differentiating between moles and warts involves observing their distinct visual and tactile characteristics. Moles are smooth or slightly raised with a uniform texture, while warts present with a rough, grainy, or bumpy surface, sometimes described as cauliflower-like.
Color also serves as a primary distinguishing factor. Moles are uniform in color, appearing in shades of brown, tan, or black due to concentrated pigment cells. Warts, in contrast, are flesh-colored, white, pink, or light brown, and a feature unique to warts is the presence of tiny black dots, which are small clotted blood vessels.
Regarding shape and borders, moles are round or oval with well-defined, smooth edges. Warts, however, can have more irregular shapes and borders, often appearing raised with a flattened top or a more irregular contour. While moles are stable and do not change, warts can grow, spread, or change in appearance as the viral infection persists or resolves.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most moles and warts are benign, professional medical evaluation is important for any skin growth that causes concern. For moles, seek medical attention if you notice changes in size, shape, color, or elevation. The “ABCDE” rule provides a helpful guide for identifying potentially problematic moles:
Asymmetry (one half unlike the other)
Border irregularity (uneven or notched edges)
Color variation (multiple colors or uneven shades)
Diameter (larger than 6 millimeters, about the size of a pencil eraser)
Evolving (any change over time, or new symptoms like itching, bleeding, or crusting)
For warts, seek medical advice if the wart is painful, itchy, or bleeding, or if it changes in size, shape, color, or texture. You should also consult a healthcare provider if:
Over-the-counter treatments are ineffective after a few months
You have multiple warts
Warts appear in sensitive areas like the face or genitals
A professional assessment can help ensure proper diagnosis and appropriate management for any skin growth.