Freckles and moles: What's the difference?

What exactly is the difference between freckles and moles? I know moles can become cancerous, but what about freckles?

- No name given / Wisconsin

Answer

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Freckles and moles

Both freckles and moles are areas of increased pigment (melanin) in your skin. But they're not the same thing.

Freckles are small, flat, pigmented spots on your skin. They vary in color from red to tan to brown. Freckles are not present at birth. Instead, they develop in childhood and in later years as a result of repeated sun exposure. Freckles occur primarily in sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your nose and shoulders.

Moles (nevi) are clusters of pigmented cells (melanocytes). Although they often appear as small, dark brown spots, moles come in a range of colors and sizes. They can be raised or flat and can develop almost anywhere on your body — even between your fingers and toes. Unlike freckles, moles can be present at birth. They often become more prominent with age. Moles also may darken with repeated sun exposure or as a result of hormonal changes in pregnancy.

Freckles rarely develop into skin cancer. However, freckles are especially common in people with light skin, and having light skin that burns easily increases your risk of skin cancer. Also, some skin cancer in its earliest stages resembles a freckle. If you have a pigmented lesion — whether you think it's a freckle or mole — that changes in size, shape or color, or becomes painful, consult your doctor.

RELATED

• Moles