Many individuals encounter common skin growths and often wonder if a particular spot is a wart or a mole. While both are prevalent, they possess distinct characteristics that differentiate them. Understanding these differences can help identify their nature.
How to Tell Them Apart
Warts are small, rough growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They often present with a bumpy, grainy, or cauliflower-like texture and are typically flesh-colored, pink, or red. Common warts frequently appear on hands and can have tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels. Different types of warts exist, including flat warts which are smoother and smaller, or plantar warts on the feet that can grow inward and cause pain. Warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact or from contaminated surfaces.
Moles, also known as nevi, are common skin growths formed by clusters of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. They can appear as small, dark brown, tan, black, blue, or even pink spots on the skin. Moles can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and often have a uniform color and distinct, regular borders. They may also have hair growing from them. Their appearance can change over time.
When to Consult a Doctor
It is important to seek professional medical evaluation for certain skin growths, particularly moles that exhibit suspicious changes. For moles, the “ABCDEs of melanoma” serve as a useful guide for identifying potential skin cancer. Asymmetry (one half unlike the other), irregular borders (uneven or scalloped edges), and color variation (multiple shades or uneven coloring) are warning signs. A diameter greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) and any evolving changes in size, shape, color, or elevation also warrant attention. Any mole that becomes itchy, painful, bleeds, or shows crusting should be examined by a healthcare provider.
For warts, medical consultation is advised if they become painful, bleed, or spread rapidly to other areas of the body. Warts located in sensitive regions, such as the face or genitals, also require professional assessment. If a person has a weakened immune system, they should consult a doctor before attempting any wart removal. If home treatments have been unsuccessful or if there is uncertainty about the nature of a skin growth, professional medical advice is recommended.
Treatment Options
For warts, common treatments include cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to destroy the tissue. Topical medications containing chemicals like salicylic acid or cantharidin can also be applied to gradually remove wart layers. In some instances, surgical removal or laser therapy may be used, particularly for persistent warts. Some warts may resolve on their own over time.
Most moles are benign and do not require treatment unless they are suspicious for skin cancer, cause irritation due to their location, or are removed for cosmetic reasons. If a mole is deemed suspicious, surgical excision, where the entire mole and a small margin of surrounding skin are removed, is a common approach. For benign moles, a surgical shave may be performed to remove the raised portion. Decisions regarding mole removal should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.