Freckles and moles: What's the difference?

Q.	What's the difference between a freckle and a mole? I know moles can become cancerous, but what about freckles? No name given / Wisconsin see response Mayo Clinic dermatologist Lawrence Gibson, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

All Skin Q&As:

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• Acrylic nails: Can they harm your natural nails?
• Adult acne: Is it caused by a hormonal imbalance?
• Burning feet: Causes and treatments?
• Cellulitis infection: Is it contagious?



• Chapped lips: What's the best remedy?
• Cold sores: Can my lip balm reinfect me?
• Dark circles under your eyes: What causes them?
• Detox foot pads: Do they really work?
• Freckles and moles: What's the difference?



• Getting a 'base tan': Does it prevent sunburn?
• Hair removal: Does shaving make it grow back thicker?
• Healthy skin: What role does diet play?
• Honey: Can it heal wounds?
• Infant eczema: How is it treated?



• Infrared saunas: What are the health benefits?
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• Lead in lipstick: A health concern?
• Livedo reticularis: What causes it?
• Mole removal cream: Does it work?



• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser: Can it cause chemical burns?
• Nail biting: Does it cause long-term damage?
• Natural acne treatment: What's most effective?
• Nicotine patch: Any harm in long-term use?
• Peeling skin on hands: What causes it?



• Petechiae: What causes it?
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• Phthalates in cosmetics: Hazardous to your health?
• Puffy eyes: How can I reduce puffiness?
• Recurrent cellulitis: What causes it?



• Scalp psoriasis vs. seborrheic dermatitis: What's the difference?
• Scar cream: Does it work?
• Schamberg's disease: How is it treated?
• Smoking: Does it cause wrinkles?
• Split fingernails: What causes them?



• Sunburn treatment: What works?
• Sunscreen labels: What does "PA" mean?
• Tanning beds: Safer than the sun?
• Tattoo removal cream: Does it work?
• Tattoos and MRIs: What's the risk?



• Thin skin: What causes it?
• Vertical nail ridging: A cause for concern?
• White patch on skin: A cause for concern?
• White tongue: What causes it?

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