We often get confused between a mole and a wart. In some cases, a mole looks like a wart and vice versa. A dermatologist will easily tell you what it actually is and you may be able to do such a diagnosis as well if you are aware of the difference between mole and wart.
Difference Between Mole and Wart
Let us discuss what mole and wart are before we highlight the difference. Mole, also known as nevus, is essentially a few skin pigment cells accumulating at a particular point forming a brownish dot. It may be a very small dot that you wouldn’t feel upon touching. It could be a larger dot that you can feel when you swipe your finger atop it. Moles are very common. They are more common in adults than kids but children can have birthmarks that would be called moles. Moles can become larger and they may look like a bump. They may be of the exact same color as the skin or they may be darker.
Usually, moles are brownish or blackish depending on the exact color and tone of the skin. Moles are also known as intradermal nevus when they are deeper and larger than usual. Some moles are called beauty marks if they look aesthetic. A mole is a completely natural growth of cells and it is not indicative of any health ailment. However, some moles can indicate more serious health issues. If moles behave erratically or turn painful, then they could be symptomatic of underlying conditions. Some moles are symptoms of melanoma. Moles are considered benign unless diagnosis proves otherwise.
Warts are an accumulation of infected cells. When cells get infected with the human papilloma virus, they form warts which are also known as verruca vulgaris. There are many types of warts. Common warts or verruca vulgaris would form on the body, arm and other visible places like the face or neck. Warts forming on the soles of the feet are known as plantar warts. There are other types of warts such as genital warts. While warts are usually benign and don’t pose any threat, some warts can be malignant. A dermatologist must be consulted if warts behave erratically and normal treatments don’t cure the warts.
The most significant difference between mole and wart is that the latter is contagious while the former is not. The human papilloma virus that causes warts can spread upon contact with an infected person.
