What is the difference between a blackhead and a mole?

Question

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Which one is the black head? and which one is the mole?

Answer 1

A mole is a small permanent patch of skin with extra pigment, usually raised over the surrounding skin. A dermatologist could surgically remove it. They're usually a shade of brown, but can be black or red.
A blackhead is a skin pore that is plugged with excess dead skin matter, oil and bacteria (causing the black color). It could become a zit. It can be gotten rid of easily with gentle squeezing.

Both look like moles. I would be worried about the second one because the edge is irregular, meaning it could be precancerous.

Answer 2

MOLES Moles are spots on the skin where melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) have produced more melanin, darkening a localized area of the epidermis. Everyone has moles, which come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, colors, textures, and patterns. The appearance of moles is probably determined before birth, but they may increase in number or color during hormone changes and sun exposure. Most moles will appear by the time a person reaches 20, but others may not appear until later in life. Each mole has its own growth pattern, but in general, when moles first appear, they look like freckles – they are mostly flat and tan, pink, or brown. Over time, they usually enlarge and may develop hairs. Moles tend to darken with exposure to the sun, during puberty, with birth control pills, and during pregnancy. The life cycle of the average mole is 50 years, so they change very slowly, often becoming more raised and lighter in color. Many will disappear with age, either fading away or becoming raised from the skin and getting rubbed off. The majority of moles and other blemishes are benign, but spots that change appearance or cause pain warrant medical attention. A new or existing mole that exhibits ABCD qualities (see “Skin Cancer”) should be seen by a dermatologist. This includes any spot that changes in size, shape, or color, or one that bleeds, itches, or becomes painful. Other moles that increase your risk of skin cancer are large ones (bigger than a pencil eraser) that are present at birth or that run in the family, usually with dark centers and lighter, irregular edges. ACNE (BLACKHEAD) Acne is the general term for pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts. About 85% of people between 12 and 25 experience acne, though to varying degrees. Resulting from clogged pores, acne typically appears on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and scalp. A pore gets clogged when the sebaceous gland – responsible for lubricating the skin and connected to the base of the hair follicle – produces excess oil that combines with dead skin cells to form a soft, white plug. Within the clogged pore, bacteria that naturally live on the skin multiply, causing an infection. In response to bacterial growth, the immune system sends white blood cells to combat the invaders. The combination of oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and white blood cells causes the wall of the plugged follicle to bulge, producing a whitehead or blackhead. The difference between these two is whether the plug remains below the skin or is pushed to the surface. When the pressure of the hair follicle pushes the oil and dead skin cells to the surface of the skin, a blackhead forms. A whitehead is a clogged pore below the surface of the skin. If the follicle wall breaks down and spills its contents into nearby skin, a lesion or pimple will form. Acne is the combined result of three factors: build-up of oil, abnormal shedding of dead skin cells, and bacteria growth. Scientists aren’t sure exactly what leads to these changes in the skin, but certain factors have been found to play a part. Hormones, heredity, bacteria, and medication are among the causes of acne. Additionally, environmental factors, such as pollution or high humidity, and touching your skin with your hands or other bacteria-laden objects can promote pimples. Some say stress causes acne, others disagree, but it’s a good idea to reduce stress for other health reasons anyway. Surprisingly, food has nothing to do with acne. The best way to treat and prevent mild acne is to wash your skin with a gentle cleanser in the morning, evening, and after heavy exercise. Astringents, scrubs, and masks are often harsh on the skin, producing irritation that will lead to more acne. There are many over-the-counter and prescription treatments, including lotions, antibiotics, and oral contraceptives. Look for lotions with benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, or salicylic acid to dry excess oil and promote peeling. Do not pick or squeeze blemishes because you may push the infection deeper into the skin and cause scars. Avoid oily and greasy cosmetics, sunscreens, and hair products; only use products labeled “water-based” or “noncomedogenic.” More serious forms of acne may require treatment by a dermatologist.

Answer 3

I don't think either of these is a blackhead. That's when a pore gets clogged up and the gunk on top gets dirty and turns black. If you squeeze it, a hard waxy lump comes out, which is black where it was exposed to the air.

The bottom looks like a mole, the top picture I'm not sure about.

Answer 4

A blackhead is in essence a infected pore. You can tell by it's deep pitted dark puss. A mole is a naturally occurring skin variation. It's usually a small brown (to a couple shades darker than surrounding skin) dot on the surface of your skin. One you can squeeze out (not recommended because you can scar) the other is part of your skin.
Good Luck!

Answer 5

Hi, I didn't look at the links, but from what I know, blackhead is before you get a pimple and a mole is like a birth mark.

Answer 6

Safely & Permanently Remove Moles, Warts and Skin Blemishes

Answer 7

Neither is a black head, when you get a black head it is a type of clogged pore but instead of turning into a pimple it just kinda sits ther with a bit of dirt in the center.

Answer 8

duh...a black head is gross...its like a pimple but it doesnt get red it forms into the skin instead of out and it can be poped or you can take care of your skin to get rid of it. A mole is just a regular thing on your body that you cant get removed unless by surgey....boys....so funny and cute

Answer 9

a blackhead is dirt and oil in a pore.

I checked both of the sites you listed and they are both moles, just different types.

Answer 10

They are both moles.

Moles are an excess of melatonin (skin coloring).
A blackhead is a pore that is clogged with dirt.