Moles
A mole (nevi) is defined as “a pigmented spot, mark, or small permanent protuberance on the human body. Melanin, a natural pigment that gives your skin its complexion is the same thing that causes moles. Moles result when pigment builds up and thus creates a mole. Moles are created from a buildup of pigment in the skin. Moles form at the skin surface and sometimes lay deep in the skin.
Some moles, known as congenital nevi, appear since birth while others are developed throughout the age of the individual. Moles that appear after birth usually result from too much sun exposure and are found in locations on the skin that receive a lot of sunlight. Moles are also caused by hormonal changes due to adolescence or pregnancy. Interesting enough, moles have a 50 year lifecycle and usually disappear with age.
Moles are different from birthmarks, abnormal blood vessels (hemangiomas), and Kerasotes. Moles range in size, color, and shape. The most typical shade of a mole is brown but that varies on the individual. The texture can also vary greatly from smooth and flat to raised and hard. While you can find a mole on any section of the body, the most common “mole breeding” areas are around the torso. Outbreaks on the face, arms, and legs are also very common.
The five most common types of moles are junctional moles, compound moles, dermal moles, blue moles, and sebaceous moles.
Junctional Moles (brown) appear either slightly raised above the skin or completely flat.
Compound moles (tan to deep brown) usually are raised.
Derma moles (tan to deep brown) contain hairs and are very common on the upper half of the body.
Blue moles are slightly raised. For some unknown reason, women generally have more blue moles than men.
Sebaceous moles (yellow) have a very rough texture.
Moles are actually very common. Most people have between twenty and forty moles. While most individuals do not approve of their body’s moles, the important thing to remember is that most moles are no cancerous. Yes, moles can reduce self confidence – especially if they are on an undesirable location such as the face, but most of them never need to be removed and many will disappear with age.
Note: If you want to impress your friends at the next party you could tell them that moles are one of the few things that actually improve with age.
An individual should seek medical attention if the mole changes shape, grows, or becomes more raised than before. Cancerous moles also are larger than a button, bleed spontaneously, and are painful or itchy. The individual should seek medical attention if any of these conditions exist. A qualified doctor or dermatologist is trained to examine and handle moles. They can quickly tell you whether or not the mole is cancerous.
Some individuals will look to remove a mole even if it’s not cancerous. The dermatologist can give you a list of procedures that could be done and their pros and cons. Keep in mind that most procedures, even after the mole is removed, will leave a scar. Sometimes the scar is even bigger than the original mole was.
The only guaranteed way to reduce mole outbreaks is to avoid sun exposure or wear sunscreen when outside for an extended period of time. However moles will still appear even if your skin never saw the sun so in actuality – there is no proven method.
