Moles are widespread skin lesions, so practically everyone has them. They are also called freckles, nevi, nevus, or melanocytic nevi. These can be flat; that is, they are not raised to the touch concerning the skin that surrounds them, or they can be raised. They can be confused with other injuries and can change their appearance, especially if the person is overexposed to the sun and during hours when the radiation is extreme.
If you want to know why raised moles appear, how to remove them and in which case to consult a specialist, then continue reading this FastlyHealarticle.
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Why are raised moles
Moles are growths of a type of skin cell called melanocytes. A melanocyte is a type of cell; it is the one that gives color to the skin; it is also the one that provides the tan when the person is exposed to the sun. Generally, they have a brownish-brown color, darker concerning skin color. They may or may not have hair.
Some are present from birth (congenital), and others appear later (acquired); in the latter case, it is usually related to sun exposure, pregnancy, and adolescence.
Usually, moles begin in childhood as flat (like spots), and, over the years, they grow and acquire relief. In older adults, they tend to regress, that is, to lose ease, size, color, and even disappear.
They are located in different body areas, both on the skin and in the mucous membranes of the mouth, genitalia, and eye conjunctiva. According to the location, they can receive different names and have other behaviors.
The vast majority of the time, they are benign lesions; that is, they do not generate any harm to the person who has them, but for different reasons (such as, for example, intense sun exposure), that cell can grow out of control and transform in malignant.
There are other types of pigmented or raised lesions, such as:
- Warts
- Epidermal nevi.
- Seborrheic keratosis.
- Actinic keratoses .
The dermatology specialist must diagnose these and others that may appear since it is essential to recognize them correctly and, thus, decide the best treatment because they can have different evolutions.
How to remove raised moles
The correct way to remove raised moles is through a surgical removal performed by a professional. It must have the following characteristics:
- It is usually performed under local anesthesia, only around the injury. It does not generate further complications or annoyance.
- A mole sample can be taken, or the entire mole can be removed, both in extent and depth.
- Complete excision should include a small portion of healthy skin and the mole.
- Do not only shave the lesion, as the deep part of the mole must also be analyzed.
- After the biopsy or the complete mole extraction, a histopathological analysis should be performed to confirm that it is benign.
- That is why other types of extractions (in non-hospital settings, by non-specialized people, without the subsequent study of the lesion) are not recommended because, as has been seen, malignancy of moles is usually a severe disease with a poor prognosis.
How to tell if a mole is bad
Some lesions can become malignant, and that is why special attention should be paid and consult a dermatology specialist when a mole has the following characteristics:
- Change in shape: the mole becomes an asymmetric lesion; it is no longer rounded.
- The edges are irregular, with entrances and exits.
- It has multiple colors (brown, black, red, blue) or a darker coloration in the center.
- It measures more than 6 millimeters in diameter.
- There are new spots or bumps near the mole.
In those cases, the mole in question must be surgically removed and analyzed in a pathology laboratory to determine what type of mole it is and if it is at risk.
Other conditions in which moles must be removed are:
- They cause discomfort to the person, such as itching, bleeding, or generating significant aesthetic alterations.
- Medium or large congenital moles.
- They are frequently injured (for example, those located on the scalp).
- They are located on the sole and are challenging to control.
You can expand this information by consulting the article Tips for detecting a malignant mole.
Care in case of having many moles
It is essential that all people, but especially those with multiple moles, take particular care to reduce the possibility of transformation into malignant melanoma, one of the most lethal diseases. The precautions to be taken are:
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure when ultraviolet radiation is at its highest; this is around noon.
- Wear light and loose clothing that covers exposed areas and glasses and a hat.
- Use sunscreen creams at those times and if the exposure is very long. You can straightforwardly make them yourself from coconut oil and different essential oils that protect them from harmful solar radiation.
- There is no problem in makeup, waxing moles, or shaving in areas where they are present since it has been proven that it does not increase the risk of malignancy.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Polka Dots with relief: why they come out and how to remove them , we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair and nails category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.