There are a variety of spots that appear on our skins. One such kind is called a mole. Freckles include another condition of such type of skin spots. They both add uniqueness to our appearance by their presence.
Freckles vs Moles
The difference between freckles and moles is that while the former are flatter, the latter are raised spots on the skin. Therefore the difference can easily be figured out by touching the skin where they appear. If the skin is raised it is a mole. Also, the former often has a much lighter shade. The latter is usually darker in color.
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Overexposure to the sun causes these. An increase in production of melanin, or the skin-pigmenting substance is caused by over exposure to sunrays. This causes skin coloration or pigmentation.
These are regions where skin cells have grown together in a group rather than being widespread throughout the skin. These are pigmenting cells, that is, they cause skin coloration. Melanocytes is the term used for such cells.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Freckles | Moles |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The extra-pigmented cells of the skin also cause light spots known as freckles. | Caused by extra-pigmented skin cells. These are dark spots that appear on the skin. |
| Structure | It cannot be felt. It is an area of several flat spots. | They usually are raised spots and can be felt. |
| Color | They are lighter in color. | They are darker in color. |
| Dangerous | Zero tendencies to become malignant. | Usually they are not harmful. Very rarely they may be malignant. |
| Cause | Overexposure to the sun causes these. Melanin is produced in excess due to such increased exposure to sun rays. Melanin in turn causes these skin pigmentations. | These are regions where skin cells have grown together in a group rather than being widespread throughout the skin. These are pigmenting cells, that is, they cause skin coloration. Melanocytes is the term used for such cells. |
What is Freckle?
The extra-pigmented cells of the skin also cause light spots known as freckles. These are genetic. They are flat and cannot be felt. Overproduction of skin pigmenting substance due to excess sun exposure is the primary cause of this.
The color of freckles varies based on the individual and their genetic composition. Increased exposure to sun rays however may result in these darkening in their pigmentation.
Individuals with pale or fair complexion have little melanin in their epidermis, so when sunshine drives their melanocytes to produce more, they develop freckles rather than a uniform tan.
Ephelides are a type of freckle that is plain, brownish, or reddish and dissolves when sun exposure is reduced. Ephelides are more prevalent in persons with pale skin tones, however, they can be found on individuals of all skin tones. The use of sunscreen regularly can stifle their growth.
What is Mole?
These are dark spots on skin. They are caused by extra-pigmented cells of the epidermis. They usually are raised spots and can be felt. The epidermal cells have developed together in a bundle in these regions instead of being spread all throughout.
Moles may very rarely be cancerous. Most of them are harmless and are not dangerous while a few can be cancerous. Moles that have the chance to become cancerous will frequently shift, either developing or displaying a different boundary.
Identifying skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma, involves paying attention to moles and other colored spots on the skin. A dermatologist should be consulted immediately if you feel any discomfort or spot something to be worried about regarding your mole.
These are not anything different from moles. The presence of certain moles beautify physical appearances in a lot of cases. These are the ones that have been named to be beauty spots.
These may look attractive but they are still the same thing as a mole. They should be treated if there occurs any alteration in their color or form.
Main Differences Between Freckles and Moles
- Freckles and Moles also have different causes. Overexposure to the sun causes the former. Melanin is produced in excess due to such increased exposure to sun rays. This causes skin coloration or pigmentation. The latter, on the other hand, are regions where skin cells have grown together in a group rather than being widespread throughout the skin. These are pigmenting cells, that is, they cause skin coloration. Melanocytes is the term used for such cells.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673668900718
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1753-6405.1992.tb00083.x
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
