Moles and warts are irritating. They can be confusing and most people do not know the difference. The good news is that they do not cause a risk to your health. They are simply annoying and make you uncomfortable. If you want to know what the issue is before you schedule a spot removal, here is how to tell the difference between a mole and a wart.
Warts show up on hands, knees, feet, pretty much any part of your skin. Unlike moles, they are hard bumps which lie deep in the skin. Although they may be smooth on top, they are callus-like underneath. All warts begin from a virus, and like all viruses, they are contagious. When a wart appears, that means that you came in contact with someone else with a wart virus, whether through shaking hands or using the same towel.
For the fastest wart treatment, ask your dermatologist to freeze the wart. This kills the cells containing the virus so your skin can heal wart-free.
Moles are more serious than warts. They take a while to grow and if they become cancerous, they begin to change. The visual difference is that a mole has pigment and hair. Warts do not have either. Moles cannot be transmitted between people unlike warts which can be. Due to their pigment, moles have the rare potential of changing from a regular mole into skin cancer.
The good news it that both warts and moles are not a grave risk to your health. Both are annoying and can turn dangerous in the long run if not monitored. Seek medical assistance if you want them to be removed from your skin.
For the past three decades Premier Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery has been Delaware’s practice of choice in skin and aesthetic services. Our goal is to address all of your skincare needs under one roof by integrating medical, cosmetic, surgical and aesthetic expertise with the highest standards of care and compassion. If you would like to learn more about warts, moles, and the removal process, Contact Us today!
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