How moles begin to appear (English)

Small formations that differ in color from the skin are common to most people. These structures have different origins and structures, so it is difficult to name one reason why moles appear. More often than others, benign nevi, papillomas, and hemangiomas occur in humans. The appearance of a neoplasm can occur before the birth of the child, then the baby will be born with a birthmark. As you age, your likelihood of developing moles increases.

What causes moles to appear?

Healthy skin contains a significant number of melanocytes, the function of which is to protect the underlying tissues from ultraviolet radiation. The accumulation of melanin under the influence of sunlight is manifested by a uniform darkening of the skin - tanning. Due to a number of reasons (trauma, burns, hereditary predisposition), melanocytes are able to become activated, and dark spots appear on the body. A type of age spots are ephelides or freckles, characterized by seasonal variability in color.

The bulk of moles are nevi - congenital malformations of the skin. Acquired nevi can appear throughout life; with age, the likelihood of skin tumors increases. Where do moles on the body come from? The main reasons are related to the following conditions:

excessive sun exposure;
heredity;
prolonged mechanical irritation of the skin from clothing parts;
contact with various chemical agents;
traumatic skin damage;
age factor;
inflammation of the skin of any origin, including allergic;
hormonal dysfunction.

In children

The vast majority of nevi in children are congenital. In newborns, moles are often invisible; they appear over time, gradually acquiring pigmentation. Immediately visible are formations of another, vascular origin - hemangiomas. Pink, red, brown, purple spots fade when lightly pressed, which makes them look different from moles. In children, flat viral warts look like nevi.

During pregnancy

Changes in hormonal levels activate the accumulation of pigment in specific melanocyte cells. A pregnant woman's skin may generally darken, and uneven spotting of the face, arms, and lower abdomen often appears. Moles during pregnancy affect only the epidermal layer of the skin, so they are not convex and cannot be detected to the touch. They can disappear on their own over time or become noticeably pale.

Many people are not interested in the meaning of moles on the body, and in vain, because these formations on the skin can be very dangerous for the body. There are many types of such formations, they differ in shape, size, color. Some people have a huge number of them, others only a few, but everyone has at least one. Read why these formations appear on the skin, how to understand which of them are dangerous, and learn about effective removal methods.

What are moles

Every person should know the nature of formations, which in scientific language are usually called nevi. Moles are a concentration of melanocyte cells. Melanin, the pigment that determines color, is concentrated in them. They come in different shades of brown, black, red, yellow and even purple. According to their shape, they are classified as flat, convex, hanging, lumpy, or with a stem.

Moles are of a similar nature to birthmarks. The difference is that the former can appear, change and even disappear throughout life (the most active period is from six months to 25 years), while the latter are given to a person from birth. They can be located on any part of the skin: both the face and the body. There are cases of their occurrence on mucous membranes.

Why moles appear

You have already read that pigmented formations can appear and disappear at any age, but what does this depend on? Factors that provoke the appearance of moles on the body:

Heredity. Often in children, nevi appear in the same areas as in their parents, and sometimes in even greater numbers.
Sun rays. Melanin under their influence is produced several times more intensely. Staying in the sun for a long time is dangerous not only because new ones can form, but also because old ones can transform into a tumor, even malignant.
Viruses, injuries, radiation, x-ray exposure. Under the influence of each of these factors, melanocytes can group and come to the surface of the skin.
Hormonal changes. Any surge in hormones (especially in women) can trigger the appearance or disappearance.
Cluster of blood vessels. Nevi occur due to the accumulation of small processes of blood vessels.
Dysfunctions of internal organs and systems. More often they lead to the appearance of vascular nevi. They can develop due to dermatological diseases, dysfunction of the large intestine, pancreatic dysfunction, and imbalance of lipid metabolism.

Reasons for the appearance of moles on the body in women

The occurrence of nevi is directly related to hormonal surges, of which there are plenty in the female body. The reasons for the appearance of moles on the body in women can be changes in the body associated with pregnancy (nevi often form on the skin of the abdomen, legs), menopause, and puberty. Sometimes, although rarely, they occur before or during menstruation.

How moles appear

Skin cells become more and more melanin pigment and transform into melanocytes. This occurs under the influence of one of the causes of nevi listed above (sun exposure, hormones, etc.). The accumulation of melanocytes is the reason why moles appear on the body. Whatever the nature of the nevus, the mechanism of its development always looks like this.

Types of moles

Formations can look very different, but according to a number of characteristics they are usually combined into several groups. The following types of moles are distinguished according to the nature of their occurrence:

Angiomas. Formed due to pathological transformation of blood vessels. They can be flat or convex, pink, red, purple. They will never become malignant.
Hemangiomas. A type of angioma. They appear shortly after birth in a child, gradually turn red and slightly swell, and have clear boundaries. Most often localized on the neck and face.
Vascular malformation. There are two types of defect. The first is called port-wine stains and affects the torso, face, and arms. At first they are pale pink, but then they become scarlet or crimson, and with any dilation of the blood vessels they acquire brightness. The second type of malformation is a stork bite. Deformation of blood vessels in a child due to excessive pressure from the mother’s pelvic bones. These are asymmetrical reddish spots that last up to a year.
Lentigo. Flat, different shades of brown. Small, reminiscent of freckles, but slightly darker in color.
Mongolian spots. Clusters of large bluish or brown nevi in the lumbar and sacrum areas, completely flat.
Blue. Dense round small nodules. They can take on all shades of blue. Most often appear on the buttocks, face, and limbs.
Coffee stains. Flat, light shade, different sizes.
White. Appear due to the production of a reduced number of melanocytes.
Sutton's nevi. Flat, the skin around which is not pigmented.

You read about the origins of moles. They also differ in the depth of the skin layer in which they are formed:

Epidermal. In the top layer of skin, flat. They most often form in the groin, feet and palms. The shade can range from pale beige to coffee brown.
Intradermal. Convex. They can be smooth or rough, often dark. If hair grows from the intradermal, then this is a sign that it is safe.
Borderline. Flat, any shape, smooth. There is never any hair on them.

Classification by appearance:

Flat. Dry and smooth, they do not pose a health hazard. The most common type for humans.
Warty. Very dark and wart-like. Their condition must be constantly monitored.
Convex. Dark, can be either smooth or rough, covered with coarse or vellus hair.

small – up to 1.5 cm in diameter;
medium – up to 10 cm;
large – more than 10 cm;
gigantic - cover significant areas of the body or face.

Dangerous moles

Some nevi, under the influence of one reason or another, can develop into cancerous tumors. As a rule, this occurs due to injury to the formation or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. Dangerous moles are considered to be those that appear in adulthood, rapidly change their appearance and exceed a centimeter in diameter. A person should monitor such suspicious formations very carefully and regularly see a dermatologist.

People at increased risk of their occurrence include:

fair-skinned, red-haired, with many freckles and age spots;
have already removed malignant tumors;
over 50 years of age;
who have many dark ones;
quickly “burn” in the sun;
whose relatives had skin cancer.

What dangerous moles look like

Several types of formations are considered these:

Nodal. A spot with a surface of uniform color, even black.
Blue. A dense, smooth knot without hair, rising above the surface of the skin.
Halo nevus. A colored formation on the skin surrounded by a colorless ring.
Skin pigmentation. Slightly convex, pale, sometimes covered with hairs.
Gigantic. Any formation of enormous size is dangerous.
Nevus Ota. Dark brown or gray-blue formation, very large.
Dubreuil's melanosis. Precancerous formation with uneven contours.

If dangerous moles look as described above, then there is a high risk of their degeneration into melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It is worth noting that such a tumor is highly treatable if detected in time. You should immediately contact a dermatologist if the following symptoms appear:

deformations;
discharge of blood or fluid;
symmetry violations;
burning;
changes in surface texture;
pain;
hair loss;
itching;
the appearance of ulcers or cracks;
seals;
inflammation;
color changes, appearance of inclusions.

How to identify a malignant mole

You need to periodically examine your body in order to promptly consult a doctor if there are suspicious signals. To identify a malignant mole, use the basic ACORD rule:

"A - asymmetry." If it is no longer the same shape, it may be reborn.
"K - contour." Uneven, fuzzy, blurry edges are a warning sign.
“O—shade.” Any changes in color, the appearance of dots, inclusions, stripes and specks may indicate a malignant formation.
"R - size." If it suddenly begins to grow, consult a doctor immediately. The maximum acceptable diameter for the norm is 6 mm.
"D - dynamics." If crusts, cracks appear on the formation, or blood or any substance begins to come out of it, then you need to visit a specialist. Suspect nevi that become too soft, become covered with nodules, become painful, or are surrounded by inflamed red skin. A sudden increase in altitude is dangerous.

How to remove moles on the body

Dangerous and suspicious formations are removed for medical reasons. A person can also remove moles on the body at his own request if they cause him aesthetic or practical discomfort (they cling to clothes, are constantly touched by nails). There are several ways to get rid of nevi: laser beam, surgery, radio waves, liquid nitrogen. Each of them needs to be discussed in more detail.

Laser removal

A very gentle and effective method of destroying formations with a directed beam. Laser mole removal can be performed using two techniques:

Layer-by-layer evaporation. The beam gradually removes layers from the surface to the deep.
Excision with a laser knife. The material after such an operation can be sent for histological examination.

the method is absolutely safe;
the risk of complications is minimized;
there is no blood, because laser radiation immediately “seals the vessels;
there are practically no contraindications;
As a rule, one session is enough;
painless (local anesthesia is performed);
no recovery time after surgery is required;
non-contact technology ensures complete sterility;
the procedure is carried out very quickly.

infection may occur;
The wound takes a long time to heal, leaving a scar.

diabetes;
sun allergy;
infections in the body;
heat;
oncological diseases;
epilepsy;
any skin inflammation;
pregnancy.

Surgical method

A very affordable method, the only one suitable when there is no possibility of alternative procedures. The surgical method is reliable and is often used for formations with suspected malignancy. The formation and a small area of skin adjacent to it are excised with an ordinary scalpel under general or local anesthesia. The material can be immediately sent for histological examination.

whatever the size of the formation, it will be removed in one go;
low price;
relapses almost never occur;
complete absence of contraindications;
the method is safe.

A scar remains, although modern techniques for applying cosmetic sutures make it possible to make it as thin, even and invisible as possible. In addition, the use of modern anti-scar ointments will help reduce it to nothing.
The wound takes a long time to heal. It needs to be processed regularly and carefully.

Cryodestruction

This is the name for the process of destroying formations with liquid nitrogen. To put it simply, the mole is frozen and its cells die from the cold. Cryodestruction is performed without anesthesia at all or with local anesthesia. This procedure will be most effective for flat formations on the body that do not go into the deeper layers of the skin. Nitrogen is applied by lubricating the surgical site with a cotton swab or using a special applicator.

inflammatory, infectious processes;
pregnancy;
malignancy of formation;
convulsions;
epilepsy.

removal is painless;
the risk of complications is very small;
cryodestruction is carried out quickly;
the operation is inexpensive.

the formation may not disappear completely, because nitrogen does not act on the deep layers of the skin;
very high risk of scars;
there is a possibility of damaging healthy tissue and causing a burn;
for large sizes, several cryodestruction sessions may be required;
recovery takes a very long time and during this period the use of cosmetics and exposure to the sun is prohibited.

Birthmarks (moles) are formations on the skin that many people do not pay attention to. And they are only interested in them if another mole is suddenly discovered on the body. What does the process of the emergence of new birthmarks indicate, and does it pose a health hazard?

What are birthmarks

Moles, or, as doctors say, nevi, are accumulations of special cells – melanocytes – in the layers of the skin. The purpose of melanocytes is to produce the pigment melanin, which protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Normally, most melanocytes are located between the top layer of skin - the epidermis and the middle layer - the dermis. Melanocytes are usually distributed evenly over the surface of the skin. However, this does not always happen. Irregularities in the distribution of melanocytes lead to the formation of birthmarks.

Moles are usually dark or brown in color. Less commonly, almost black nevi can occur. Blue or purple moles are also observed.

Nevi are usually evenly colored, although on their surface there may be single darker and lighter areas compared to the background. A typical mole is round or oval in shape and has a diameter of no more than 5 mm. Moles larger than 10 mm are called giant. There are also birthmarks of irregular shape and uneven color - dysplastic nevi.

The most dangerous type of mole is a dysplastic nevus.

Nevi are also divided into intradermal and epidermal - depending on the depth of the accumulation of melanocytes.

Moles can be located on any part of the body. There are a lot of them on the arms, torso, and neck. However, most often (relative to the unit area) moles are found on the face. Moles can also form on mucous membranes, although this is rare.

Usually nevi do not protrude above the skin level. However, there are also protruding (convex) moles.

Lentigo and freckles

There is also a type of skin spots called lentigo. They are usually larger in size than a typical nevus, but also have a less intense, pale brown color and less clear boundaries. Their appearance is also associated with increased melanin production.

Another type of melanin-containing spots are freckles. Lentigines are most often observed in adults and the elderly, freckles - in children and adolescents. Lentigines and freckles are not usually classified as moles, although they have a similar origin.

Angiomas

Angiomas are also often classified as moles. These are red, slightly raised formations on the skin that are vascular in nature. If you press on such a formation, it will turn pale and then return to its original color. This is explained by the fact that angiomas consist of many tiny vessels. The mechanism of their occurrence is also not fully understood. Only one thing is clear - unlike ordinary moles, their occurrence is in no way connected with genetic reasons. Vascular moles have a relatively low risk of malignant transformation.

Angioma – vascular mole

When and who gets moles?

Although nevi are popularly called birthmarks, in fact, most moles are not present in a person from birth, but appear much later, throughout life. 99% of children are born with an absolutely clean body, devoid of age spots. And the first birthmarks appear in babies in the first or second year. However, these moles are so small that they are often simply not noticed.

Most moles appear on the body during adolescence and before the age of 25. This feature is associated with the intensive production of sex hormones during this period. And old moles may increase slightly or change color during puberty.

However, even in adults, age spots can occur from time to time. And some spots can also disappear spontaneously. The total number of moles can reach hundreds, although usually there are much fewer of them - no more than a dozen. There are also people who have almost no moles. Women usually have more birthmarks than men. Light-skinned people also have more moles than dark-skinned people.

Thus, the appearance of new moles in various parts of the body is a process that is a normal phenomenon in the body. Usually it is not associated with any pathologies. Of course, if the number of moles does not exceed a reasonable limit. And the birthmarks themselves look standard and do not cause discomfort.

Causes of birthmarks

The reason for the appearance of new birthmarks on the body is largely unclear. What is known is that the amount of melanin in the body is regulated by melanotropic hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Consequently, if a new mole appears on the body, this fact is often a consequence of increased levels of this hormone.

What phenomena affect the level of melanotropic hormone? First of all, such factors include an imbalance in the endocrine system. In women, this condition occurs during pregnancy and childbirth, in the period preceding menopause. Women are more likely to experience hormonal changes. Perhaps this circumstance is the reason for the more frequent appearance of birthmarks in women.

In men, this process can be triggered by diseases or injuries of the testicles, resulting in increased estrogen production. Also, the reasons for fluctuations in the level of melanotropic hormone can be:

stress,
serious illnesses,
pathology of the pituitary gland,
viral infections.

Insect bites and abrasions are another possible cause of moles. This circumstance is due to the fact that wounds can get infected, which often leads to local accumulation of melanin.

New moles can also appear after exposure of the skin to ultraviolet rays. Exposure to sunlight or other ultraviolet sources is accompanied by an increase in the level of melanin in the skin and the release of melanocytes to the surface. The sun's rays can not only lead to the appearance of new nevi, but also to the enlargement or degeneration of old ones. It is possible that other types of radiation, such as x-rays, contribute to the appearance of moles on various parts of the body. Such radiation can affect the body, for example, during medical procedures.

The causes of angiomas are dysfunction of the liver, intestines, and pancreas.

What to do if new birthmarks appear?

If one or two moles appear on the body in a place where there were none before, this is not yet a cause for concern. True, here you need to pay attention to the shape, color, size of the spot and accompanying symptoms. If the mole has the correct shape and uniform color, does not hurt, is not inflamed and does not bleed, then most likely it does not pose a danger. But a change in shape, color or increase in existing moles should be alarming.

If there are reasons for concern, or the nature of the formation is unclear, you should immediately consult a dermatologist. The fact is that some birthmarks can turn into malignant tumors - melanomas. The greatest danger is represented by dysplastic nevi. Although this happens infrequently, it still doesn’t hurt to be on the safe side. The main thing to remember is that you should not touch the mole or try to remove it yourself. This can lead to dire consequences.

Removal of common nevi is usually not indicated. The only exceptions are moles that protrude from the skin, the risk of injury to which is very high, moles that create psychological discomfort in the patient, as well as dysplastic nevi.

Why can there be many moles on the body, and are they dangerous?

The abundance of nevi in itself is not dangerous to health. However, they need to be closely monitored and regularly examined by a dermatologist. A doctor's examination is also required after a holiday in the southern resorts. Regular self-examination of the body is also necessary. If a new birthmark of an unusual shape appears on the body, or an old one has quickly grown and changed its shape, size and color, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Numerous moles on the body

People with an abundance of moles on their skin should remember that the sun is not only a friend, but also an enemy. The danger comes from the ultraviolet rays contained in the radiation of the star closest to us. When they come into contact with pigmented areas of the skin, they can cause their malignant degeneration. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the duration of sunbathing. In summer, you should not sunbathe during the most dangerous hours in the middle of the day, when the largest amount of hard UV rays reaches the Earth. And in a situation where the sun's rays fall on bare skin for a long time, it is necessary to use sunscreen to protect the body. Recently, there has been a thinning of the ozone layer in the atmosphere. This results in increased intensity of UV rays. It has also been established that people with pale skin are more susceptible to the negative effects of radiation than people with dark skin.

If a person has many nevi on his skin, then often only his genes can be to blame. It is known that the tendency to the abundant appearance of nevi can be inherited. Also, the appearance of moles is to some extent evidence of the biological processes of aging. Although, on the other hand, there is a theory that the abundance of moles reduces biological age by several years, and moles themselves are a protective factor for the body. According to popular belief, moles are a symbol of longevity and promote good luck. But another fact has been proven - the abundance of nevi increases the likelihood of developing skin cancer.

How moles begin to appear