Our skin isn’t perfect and as such, it also has its own anomalies. Both warts and moles are two skin abnormalities represented physically as growths. Moles grow from cells that give you the skin color you have. On the other hand, warts are caused by a virus, known as the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Both warts and moles are completely harmless, but they may, however, be signs that something harmful is going to happen (or has already happened) since they can represent harmful skin changes.
Moles
Moles are fairly common, and most people have at least a few moles in their body. Some people have incredibly high numbers of moles, but then again, they are pretty harmless. According to research, moles usually rise during childhood or adolescence, but they can also be developed during later stages of life.
Most moles have a dark color, or a brown color, and some of them may appear yellowish or even red. The appearance a mole can have varies greatly, since they can vary in texture and in size. Some of them are incredibly small, while others can be pretty big and quite noticeable. Some moles might just be flat, not rising above skin level.
The biggest complication that moles can have is that skin cancer (melanoma) can develop from cells located in the mole itself. Some types of moles even have high association with melanoma, and this includes unusually large moles as well as moles that appeared at birth. Moreover, if a person has more than 50 to 100 moles, there is an increased risk in the development of melanoma.
Warts
Warts, on the other hand, don’t usually appear throughout the whole body, but usually just appear on the hands of the individual, and plantar wards appear on the soles of the feet, while other types of warts can appear near or under the nails. It is also possible to have genital warts, that arise between the thighs and sometimes in the anal canal or the vagina.
Warts have a rough texture and vary in the color they have, ranging from light to dark, reaching black. Typically, they don’t cause any discomfort to the individual except aesthetically, with the exception being if they are in an area where they cause friction. Genital warts, however, can lead to the development of cancer and as such, these should always be checked by a doctor – genital warts spread through sexual contact.
Potentially cancerous moles can be treated through surgery, while warts usually end up disappearing on their own without the necessity of a treatment. On the face and on the genital area, it is advised that the person sees a doctor regarding treatment, as it can be a sign of future complications.