Learn the differences between skin-moles and warts

Often we confuse us a Mole with a wart because we do not know the characteristics of each one. Beyond some aesthetic, it is good to know what is the difference between the two. Early detection of abnormalities in these spots or skin bumps can prevent cancer, for example.

Characteristics of skin-moles

The common Mole is a small lump that appears on the skin and is colored pink, chestnut or toasted, has defined edges and arise at any time of life (even though many of them are already present at birth). Persons with more than 50 common moles have more chance of developing some type of complication and even melanoma (skin cancer).

However, it is good to note that the vast majority of common moles do not produce any serious pathology and may remain in our body without problems.


If the Mole is dysplastic, flat and large, round or oval shape and with little defined edge, it is necessary to consult with the dermatologist. The doctor will give their diagnosis and you can order a series of special studies. It should not be staying with the idea that it is simply a mole, especially if they appear more elsewhere and change color or size.
You should go as soon as possible to the doctor if:

• If the mole modifies the height (it is more bulky).
• Grows in size.
• It changes its shape.
• Itching, bleeding or oozing.
• Also if a Mole that is unlike others.

A common Mole has 5 mm wide, it can be oval or round, the surface is smooth and has a defined border, dome shaped. Light-skinned people are more pink polka dots and more swarthy, toasted moles. It has also been proven that those who have hair and clear skin moles more than those with dark skin and hair.
Moles are skin lesions that contain a large number of cells responsible for pigment (called melanocytes), may be congenital or well bought with over the years. On average, an adult has 40 spots all over his body. The possibilities that these moles become harmful or carcinogenic ranges between 0.1 and 0.2%.


Factors that increase the likelihood that a mole become a melanoma are:

Number of skin-moles

More than 50 in the body may indicate an anomaly, but it does not mean that in all cases it is skin cancer.

Sun exposure

Ultraviolet radiation is very harmful to our body. Burns severe blistering product from exposure to the Sun, not to carry out practical healthy in relation to the Sun's rays, to not use protection factor, lying on the beach between 11 and 16 hours, be Tan all year (either by the Sun or the sun bed) are risk factors.

Family history

If any family member has suffered problems in the skin or even cancer (melanoma), it is necessary to pay more attention to exposure to the Sun and the appearance of malignant moles. People with very light skin, hair blond or red, green, blue or grey eyes are also at increased risk of moles that appear on your body will become cancer.


If you have very sensitive skin that burns by simple exposure to the Sun, you have to analyze stains appearing and keep track of their shapes, colors, texture, etc.

Characteristics of warts

Warts are placed in one register higher than moles, since they are skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus. They are variable and sometimes unsightly in appearance. They can affect several areas of the skin and removal is not always easy, since they have their own blood supply system, by causing abundant bleeding when not removed using medical mechanisms. Handling can cause pain because the wart committed nerve terminals.

The development of warts is related to a malfunction or deficit in the immune system. According to the serotype of the virus, affects a different body zone: hands, face, neck, feet, armpits, genital... They can break off and disappear spontaneously.

The techniques that are used to remove the warts are different, depending on the severity of the injury, the size, location, etc.

• Cryosurgery: (Known as dry ice) solid carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the tissue. It is a somewhat painful treatment, but is the most effective to eradicate warts.
• Topical medication: Prepared special with acids that burn them little by little.
• Electrodesiccation: It is not recommended where the warts are benign, generates unsightly scars .
• Surgical removal: It is not very effective and rarely used, due to the risk of viral spread and the rate of recidivism.
• Injectable antibiotic: What cause is the inhibition of the DNA of the wart to prevent that continue expanding.
• Laser: It is the most widely used in cases of patients with warts that upset but do not have harmful properties or conditions. Applies an injection in the center of the wart sleeping area and removed "burning" the surroundings so it discards one. There are no scars.

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