Freckles and moles are patches of darkened skin that may appear as a few spots or cover large areas of the body. They are most common in people with light skin. Most of the time, freckles and moles do not cause a problem and are only treated for cosmetic reasons. However, some moles may need to be removed if a doctor suspects they may be cancerous.
Characteristics
Freckles are small and flat, and they may appear red, tan or brown. Moles can vary greatly in appearance. They can be flat or raised, and they develop in a variety of colors, including brown, red and blue. Moles are typically small, but some congenital moles can be larger than 8 inches wide, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Causes
Freckles occur when excess melanin, or pigment, deposits develop in the skin. When melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, grow together in a cluster, moles are formed, according to the Mayo Clinic. Because areas of increased melanin are sensitive to sunlight, both freckles and moles can become darker with sun exposure.
Treatments
Freckles do not require treatment, but you can talk to your doctor or dermatologist about skin lightening creams if you want to make them less noticeable. Laser treatments may also help reduce the appearance of freckles, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Moles can be cut or shaved off by a doctor during an office visit, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Considerations
While many moles are harmless, some types of moles are more likely to be cancerous. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone perform regular skin exams and look for signs of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. A doctor should be asked to examine any mole that is asymmetrical, has an irregular border, is multicolored, or is greater than the size of a pencil eraser. Also see a doctor if you have a mole that grows or changes in appearance, such as color.
Warning
Do not try to remove a mole on your own. If you try to cut or shave a mole at home, you may cause an infection or disfigure your skin, warns the American Academy of Dermatology. If the mole is cancerous, you may also leave behind cancer that could spread. Have any suspicious lesions checked promptly. Skin cancer is treatable when caught early, but delayed detection could allow it to spread.
