Moles andfrecklesare both very common spots that appear on the skin.
Each has distinguishing features that can be detected at home.
There are different types of moles and freckles.
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Whereas freckles are always harmless, and most moles are harmless, some moles can become cancerous.
Routinely examine your skin to detect changes in moles early.
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What Are Moles?
Moles can be expected to lighten or darken over time.
For children and teenagers, moles grow as the person grows.
Most adults have 10 to 40 common moles and may continue developing moles until age 40.
Atypical moles(also calleddysplastic nevi) are moles that should be watched for changes.
While they are not cancerous themselves, melanoma can grow in atypical moles.
Spitz nevi may bleed or ooze.
What Are Freckles?
Freckles are harmless skin spots of increased skin pigment (melanin).
This then shows up as freckles.
you’re free to think of freckles as your skins way of protecting you from sun damage.
However, they do not replace sunscreen or other sun protection.
Types of Freckles
The two types of freckles areephelidesandsolar lentigines.
Ephelides freckles and solar lentigines freckles are affected by sunlight but in different ways.
They also differ in when and where they show up and if and how they fade over time.
The main way to tell the difference between a freckle and a mole is to note their appearance.
Moles are usually raised and dome-shaped,whereas freckles are usually flat.
Freckles are completely harmless, whereas some moles can be at risk of skin cancer growth.
Sometimes, people use the term “beauty marks for skin features like freckles and moles.
A beauty mark is more of a cultural term.
It refers to a dark spot on the face considered to be attractive.
However, beauty marks are usually just a mole or a freckle.
Can Freckles Turn Into Moles?
Freckles are distinct from moles and cannot turn into moles.
Can Moles and Freckles Become Cancerous?
While freckles are a sign of sun exposure, they are harmless.
However, certainmoles can become cancerousand turn intomelanoma.
Less often, gene changes that raise the risk of melanoma are inherited.
How Moles and Freckles are Treated
Freckles dont require treatment as they are harmless.
Similarly, benign (noncancerous) moles dont need treatment.
Treatment of cancerous moles usually requires the expertise of a dermatologist or skin surgeon.
Never attempt to remove a mole yourself.
Its important to monitor your skin for these changes as early detection is key to successful treatment.
Freckles are harmless, and most moles are, too, though some can become cancerous.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.Moles: who gets and types.
National Cancer Institute.Common moles, dysplastic nevi, and risk of melanoma.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Moles: signs and symptoms.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Sptiz nevus.
Nemours KidsHealth.What are freckles?
Praetorius C, Sturm RA, Steingrimsson E.Suninduced freckling: ephelides and solar lentigines.Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research.
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American Cancer Society.What causes melanoma skin cancer?
