Warts and moles are common skin growths, but they arise for different reasons. Warts are caused by infection with certain human papillomaviruses (HPV) and can spread through direct or indirect contact. Moles (melanocytic nevi) are collections of pigment-producing melanocytes and are not contagious.
Appearance overlaps, so a photograph or home checklist cannot safely classify every skin lesion. New, changing, bleeding or unusual pigmented lesions should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
At a glance
| Point | Wart | Mole |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | HPV infection | Growth/cluster of melanocytes |
| Contagious? | Yes, warts can spread | No |
| Typical surface | Often rough, grainy or thickened | Often smooth, though raised moles can vary |
| Colour | Skin-coloured, grey, brown or variable | Often tan/brown but can be skin-coloured or darker |
| Black dots | May show tiny dots from blood vessels | Not a defining feature |
| Main concern | Spread, discomfort, diagnostic uncertainty | Change suggesting atypical mole or melanoma requires assessment |
Wart
A benign skin growth caused by HPV infection. Common warts often have a rough surface and may show tiny dark dots from thrombosed capillaries.
Mole
A benign melanocytic nevus made of pigment-producing cells. Moles can be flat or raised and range from skin-coloured to brown or darker.
Why appearance is not enough
Seborrheic keratoses, skin tags, calluses, molluscum, basal-cell cancers and other lesions can mimic a wart or mole. Even clinicians sometimes use dermoscopy or biopsy when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Do not burn, cut or chemically treat an unidentified pigmented lesion at home.
Mole warning signs
A useful prompt is the ABCDE approach: asymmetry, border irregularity, colour variation, diameter/enlargement and evolution. “Evolution”—a spot that is changing—is particularly important.
A lesion that looks unlike a person’s other moles (“ugly duckling”), repeatedly bleeds, ulcerates or develops persistent symptoms also deserves assessment.
Wart treatment
Many warts resolve spontaneously, especially in children. Treatments include topical salicylic acid and clinician-administered options such as cryotherapy, depending on location and patient factors.
Facial, genital, bleeding or uncertain lesions should not be self-treated as ordinary warts.
Important note
This page cannot diagnose a skin lesion from appearance alone. Seek medical assessment for new, changing or uncertain lesions.
Frequently asked questions
Can a wart turn into a mole?
No. They arise from different biological processes.
Can moles spread by touching?
No.
Can warts have black dots?
Yes. Tiny dark dots can represent small clotted capillaries.
When should a mole be checked?
When it is new and unusual, evolving, asymmetric, irregularly bordered, multi-coloured, bleeding, ulcerated or otherwise concerning.
Sources and further reading
KnowDifferences Editorial Team
Independent explanations with definitions, practical examples and references. Read our editorial approach.