mole check

Moles vs Freckles – What’s the Difference?

Moles and freckles are often lumped together under a general banner of sun-related skin issues. 

They are both common skin markings, but they have distinct characteristics and there are some key differences between the two.

Freckles

  • Medical name: ‘ephelides’
  • What are they made of? Concentrated clusters of the pigment melanin found on the skin
  • What do they look like? Flat – not raised. Small, and usually light brown or tan in colour
  • What causes them? Freckles tend to be brought out by exposure to the sunlight, which is why they most often are found on the face, shoulders, upper back and arms
  • Who’s susceptible? They are more common in people with red, blonde or fair hair and/or lighter skin tones. Genetics play a role – if your parents/grandparents were susceptible to freckles you are more likely to experience them
  • Are they harmful? The vast majority of the time, freckles are completely benign and are not associated with any other sort of systemic illness.They do not contain melanin-producing cells, also known as melanocytes, which is the major difference that separates them from moles. As freckles do not contain any cells, they are at no risk of transforming into something dangerous

Moles

  • Medical name: ‘naevi’
  • What are they made of? Collections of cells
  • What they look like: Moles can appear anywhere on the body or face. They can look very different depending on where the cells proliferate. Moles can be raised while freckles are always flat. Moles can vary in colour, while freckles are typically light brown or tan.
  • What causes them? Sun exposure can be a factor in moles, but is not the only one. Moles can appear in areas that have never seen the sun, so it is important to be alert
  • Who’s susceptible? Some people are genetically more susceptible
  • Are they harmful? Most moles are not harmful, but because moles are composed of cells, they are also at risk of developing into something dangerous, such as melanoma. Sun protection is vital to protect against mole formation, then keeping a very close eye on any suspicious moles which change or are just ‘odd’ is important too. Any concerns should be raised with a doctor as soon as possible, as earliest treatment gives the best outcomes

It isn’t always easy to tell what’s a mole vs a freckle. If you have any worrying blemishes or notice any changes it’s best to see a doctor asap to put your mind at rest. Especially if there are changes in size, shape, colour, or if it becomes itchy or painful.

Skin Surgery Laser Clinics

Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer private mole removal at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons.

Our team of qualified and experienced doctors and surgeons also treat other skin blemishes, including sebaceous cystsskin tagswarts and lipoma using  freezing, laser or surgical techniques.

For ultimate peace of mind, Cosmedics Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer a thorough top to toe mole check carried out by their trained and experienced doctors.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was founded in 2003 by Dr Ross Perry, a qualified and experienced London GP who has an excellent reputation in skin treatments and has removed thousands of lesions/blemishes in his career.

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.