Skin Mole Pictures - How to identify moles?
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Moles: How to Identify Moles Using Pictures (and Tell Them Apart From Warts & Skin Tags)
Moles pictures are especially useful for illustrating the different types of moles. While most moles are harmless, many people who have moles on the face feel they are unattractive and so for cosmetic reasons, do want them to be removed. Facial moles usually get more attention than moles elsewhere on the body.
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What are moles?
Moles are normally small, dark, skin growths that develop from pigment-producing cells in the skin. They can also be flesh-colored or yellow-brown. Some moles are flat and subtle, while others are raised off the skin and very noticeable. Some moles may contain dark hairs. Moles can appear anywhere on the body, but are often noticed more on the face because they’re visible.
Also read: What That Mole Might Be Telling You
Common types of moles (what they look like)
- Common (benign) moles: Usually round or oval, evenly colored (tan, brown, or skin-toned), and have a smooth, defined border.
- Raised moles: Dome-shaped and may feel slightly firm. They can be pigmented or skin-colored, and sometimes have hairs.
- Flat moles: Sit flush with the skin surface and can look like a small freckle or spot.
- Congenital moles: Present from birth or appear early in childhood and can vary in size and color.
How to identify moles (using pictures)
When you compare your skin to mole photos, focus on shape, color, border, and texture. Most benign moles tend to look fairly consistent—symmetrical shape, even color, and a clear border. Use pictures as a visual reference, then check:
- Shape: Is it round/oval and fairly symmetrical?
- Border: Is the edge smooth and clearly defined?
- Color: Is the color even (one main shade), or does it have multiple shades?
- Texture: Is it flat, slightly raised, or very raised?
- Change over time: Has it changed in size, color, shape, or started itching/bleeding?
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Skin mole on cheek |
Skin mole under eye |
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Skin mole on face |
Skin mole on forearms |
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Skin mole on back |
If your mole looks noticeably different from the typical examples in pictures, or if it changes over time, it’s best to have it evaluated by a professional.
Also read: The Natural Approach to Caring for Moles
Moles vs warts vs skin tags: key differences
People often confuse these three because they can all appear as small growths. Here’s how they usually differ:
- Moles: Often pigmented (brown/tan) but can be skin-colored. Usually smooth, round/oval, and can be flat or raised. Can have hair.
- Warts: Caused by a virus (HPV). Often rough, bumpy, and may have tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels). Frequently appear on hands, fingers, and feet.
- Skin tags: Soft, flesh-colored growths that often hang off the skin (like a small flap) and commonly appear in skin folds (neck, armpits, groin).
If you’re unsure whether a spot is a mole, wart, or skin tag, photos can help—but a clinician can confirm the diagnosis, especially if the area is changing, irritated, or bleeding.
Have Skin Moles? Learn more about our mole product - H-Moles Formula
When a mole should be checked (ABCDE rule)
The risk of any mole developing into melanoma is small – about one case in 200 000. Dermatologists have developed criteria for suspicious moles known as the ABCDEs:
- A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
- B – Border: Irregular, notched, or blurry edges.
- C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven shading.
- D – Diameter: Larger than about 6 mm (though smaller can still be concerning if changing).
- E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms (itching, bleeding, crusting).
If you have a mole or moles with suspicious symptoms, go for a mole diagnosis and evaluation with a dermatologist, medical practitioner or physician. We have included further mole photos where you can view the appearance of suspicious moles.
Read more: Moles on Your Body or Face?
Red “moles” and cherry hemangiomas
Further moles images will show red moles which are often not true moles but are cherry hemangiomas. These round, bright red or purple spots are made up of blood vessels and are 1 to 4 mm in size. These lesions are benign. However, if they are raised, they can become bothersome if they are scraped, bumped or injured when they may bleed or become painful.
There is another group of red moles that includes true moles as illustrated by our moles photos. These moles are raised, with little pigment and often appear on light skinned people with fair hair and blue eyes. Consequently they are not truly red in color but more light pink.
Healing Natural Oils H-Moles: ingredients and how they help
Healing Natural Oils H-Moles Formula is designed to support the appearance of benign skin moles with a gentle topical approach. The formula includes both active and inactive ingredients selected for their traditional use in homeopathy and botanical skin care.
Active Ingredients:
- Calendula officinalis 12C: Traditionally used to support calm-looking, comfortable skin and to help soothe the look of irritation.
- Phytolacca decandra 12C: Traditionally used in homeopathy for stubborn skin concerns and to support overall skin comfort.
- Thuja occidentalis 12C: Commonly used in homeopathy for skin concerns and to support the appearance of benign skin growths.
Inactive Ingredients:
- Essential Oil Blend (Lavandula officinalis flower bud, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf-branch, Melissa officinalis blossoms & whole plant, Thuja occidentalis leaf): Selected to help cleanse, soothe, and support irritated or sensitive-looking skin.
- Sesamum Indicum seed oil: A nourishing carrier oil that helps moisturize the skin and support the skin barrier for smoother-looking texture.
How these ingredients may help: The carrier oil helps keep skin moisturized and comfortable, while the botanical essential oil blend is included for skin-supporting benefits. The homeopathic actives are traditionally used to support the appearance of benign skin growths and help maintain healthier-looking skin over time. Because moles can be confused with other skin lesions, it’s important to confirm that a spot is a benign mole before trying any cosmetic approach.
Moles FAQ
Are moles normal?
Yes. Most people have at least a few moles, and many are harmless. Moles can appear in childhood and early adulthood, and some may slowly change as you age.
Is it normal to get new moles as an adult?
Some adults do develop new moles, but any new, fast-growing, or changing spot should be checked—especially if it looks different from your other moles.
What if a mole itches, bleeds, or crusts?
If a mole becomes painful, itchy, bleeds, crusts, or changes noticeably, get it evaluated. These can be signs that the area is irritated or that it needs professional assessment.
How can I tell a mole from a skin tag?
Skin tags are usually soft, flesh-colored, and hang off the skin (often in folds). Moles are typically more “embedded” in the skin, can be pigmented, and may be flat or raised with a smoother surface.
How can I tell a mole from a wart?
Warts are commonly rough and bumpy and may show tiny black dots. Moles are usually smoother and more evenly shaped and colored (unless they are atypical).
When should I see a dermatologist?
See a professional if you notice ABCDE changes, rapid growth, an “ugly duckling” mole that looks different from the rest, or any symptoms like bleeding or persistent irritation.