Birthmarks are congenital or appearing over time formations on the skin, pigmented in black, brown, purple or red. Almost all people have such spots and this is the norm. Many moles on the body - what does this mean, should a new appearance be regarded as a signal of danger, a manifestation of a disease? Every person should be concerned about their health, so any changes in the body should be the object of attention and be studied and recognized. We will consider further what information the appearance of birthmarks conveys.
What are moles
In medicine, birthmarks are called nevi; they can be located on any part of the body, they can be flat or convex. They appear throughout life from the birth of a child. Birthmarks grow especially actively during puberty, at the age of 11-13 years, when active cell division occurs, including melanocytes, from which moles are formed.
Our ancestors used their moles to predict the fate of a person, his illnesses, predispositions, past and future. Two hundred years ago, a woman with a small dot on her face (spot) or back was considered especially attractive. Even in our time, many sex symbols have such a cute feature. Birthmarks, if they are not convex, look beautiful and mysterious; you need to pay attention to its increase and see a doctor.
The meaning of moles on the body
In the eighteenth century, the heyday of the fashion for birthmarks, rules for interpreting marks on the body also appeared. Here are the main reasons why many moles appear on the body:
- the dot near the eye could have been present in the fatal lady;
- a mark at the temple is a sign of a changeable nature;
- on the ear - a tendency to rash actions;
- on the right cheek - to a successful happy marriage;
- on the left cheek - means a contradictory, constantly struggling soul;
- a spot in the corner of the mouth or above the lip - a subtle, kind nature;
- travel lovers were decorated with a dot on the nose;
- owners of spots in the neck area are successful in any circumstances.
Why moles appear on the body
Moles are formed from intermediate pigment tissue between the inner and outer balls of the skin. Reasons for appearance:
- Predisposition. The appearance of a neoplasm in a specific location in a person can be determined in the genome. There is a connection between the name “mole” and “kinship” - the presence of signs in relatives in certain places.
- Ultraviolet abuse. Too frequent and long exposure to sunlight provokes the body to produce melanin in large quantities, from which a mole is formed. The same can be said about visiting a solarium - it contributes to the appearance of many birthmarks.
- Moles can form (as well as disappear) under the influence of hormonal surges (pregnancy, stress, illness).
- Radiation, injury, or the action of a virus can provoke the appearance of a new mole.
Why are there many moles on the body?
The main factors for the appearance of moles are described above, so the answer to this question may be long-term exposure to one or more of these factors. Doctors warn that a large number of birthmarks on the body increases the likelihood of cancer. This is, for example, melanoma. Therefore, such people are not recommended to spend long periods of time in the sun or in a solarium, as this can increase the risk of a mole degenerating into a malignant neoplasm.
We can definitely say that the appearance of moles is a normal physiological process that does not pose a threat to health. If they do not change in size, shape, or color, their presence does not threaten you in any way. However, you should constantly monitor their condition and not abuse the factors described above. Medical diagnostics will help determine the condition of the birthmark and the body as a whole.
Reds
Red moles occur due to a malfunction of small blood vessels and capillaries that nourish the skin. They are called angioma and are not a dangerous type of skin disease, so you should not worry when they appear. The only cause for concern may be a mole that changes in size, color and shape. It is worth remembering that any benign angioma can degenerate into a malignant tumor.
Hanging
Hanging moles are not so harmless. They often get in the way, they are easy to peel or injure, they are not 100% safe (they can become malignant, especially with injury), and they have an unattractive appearance. They are called papillomas and grow from epithelial cells. Appear on the neck, back, groin and armpits during puberty, when exposed to sunlight, due to the human papillomavirus.
If such a neoplasm is large in size, located in a place where it can be injured or has changed shape, size, or a rim has appeared, this is a reason to contact a specialist to determine a method of control or removal. There are different options for removal: with a scalpel, laser, current beam, using cryodestruction. In any case, after this you will solve cosmetic problems and will not be afraid of cutting when shaving (relevant for men).
During pregnancy
Carrying a child is a time when the mother’s body is subjected to serious tests. Hormones responsible for all processes in the body cannot cope with both and are produced in increased quantities. Therefore, the reason for the appearance of new marks depends directly on this process and means the normal functioning of the hormonal system. They often disappear over time.
Hanging moles may appear on the neck. In the abdominal area, due to constant stretching of the skin and poor vascular activity, red growths may appear in this area. This is considered normal. However, if new or old moles begin to cause discomfort, swelling, burning or itching, be sure to find out the opinion of your therapist on this matter.
What do many moles on the body mean?
A large number of moles on the body is often disturbing and raises many questions about the safety of such a presence. Therefore, scientists do not stop researching this issue. According to one version, the maturation of a large number of small birthmarks at once and the speed of their appearance indicates the rapid aging of the body. If many birthmarks appear on the face, neck and stomach, this indicates advanced age.
According to popular belief, if many moles appear on your body, you are popular with others, good luck and happiness accompany you. Chinese healers, on the contrary, believe that negative energy leaves the body through birthmarks, so the presence of a large number of marks (birthmarks) indicates a serious illness. What to believe in - everyone decides for themselves.
Should I worry?
There is always cause for concern with any change in a birthmark. To independently study the problem, you can take into account the signs of a dangerous neoplasm, ACCORD:
- A (asymmetry) – if, when the axis is drawn through the center, the halves differ;
- K (edge of a mole): smooth – healthy, jagged, torn – dangerous;
- K (blood) – there is no bleeding from a benign mole;
- O (color) – a healthy birthmark is evenly colored;
- P (size) – small birthmarks in rare cases can degenerate, the larger they are, the more dangerous;
- D (dynamics) – development of any of the previously described signs.
A mole is a large collection of pigment cells. Visually it looks like a dark spot or nodule. Another name for a mole is nevus. By size they are divided into small (up to 0.15 cm), medium (up to 1 cm) and large (more than 1 cm). Nevi differ in color from each other and range from light brown to almost black.
Factors that cause moles to appear
Nevi often appear on the body of a child older than 1 year. They may differ slightly in color and be invisible to parents. Their number is negligible. Adults pay attention if the baby has a lot of moles on his body, but this usually happens during puberty. In teenagers, old, pale moles intensify their color and become more noticeable.
Changes in the shape and color of a mole occur during puberty and pregnancy. Hormonal instability provokes the appearance of new nevi.
The color of moles depends on the amount of melanin that was present in the body at the time of their formation. Nevus is a special pigmentation on the skin. It is believed that if many moles appear on the body, then they have roots. Actually this is not true.
Congenital skin defects increase the risk of nevus development. The vast majority of moles are not cancerous. But under certain factors, some of them can develop into malignant ones and lead to serious health problems.
Hormonal causes of moles
If many moles appear on the body, then the reasons may be hidden in a hormonal imbalance. Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, puberty, or diabetes contribute to the appearance of nevi.
In children with active growth and during the transition period, changes in biochemical growth factors occur. One reason is stem cell activity. With growth, the area of the skin increases, the pituitary gland produces melacortin, a hormone responsible for the synthesis of melanin, the production of corticosteroids in the adrenal cortex and metabolism.
Hormonal changes are not easy to stop, and in some cases cannot be stopped. The appearance of teenage moles is normal, provided that the spots appear evenly and of the correct shape.
You should monitor your hormonal levels if many moles appear on your body. Reasons causing an increase in the number of nevi:
- teenage years;
- pregnancy, after childbirth, after abortion, during menopause in women;
- in men with testicular disease, with a malfunction of the pituitary gland, with increased production of the hormone estrogen;
- severe stress;
- after infectious diseases;
- for skin diseases;
- With age, the number of nevi increases, this is due to hormonal changes and aging of the body.
Ultraviolet light is the cause of moles
Melanin production increases under the influence of ultraviolet rays, resulting in a tan. Tyrosine is activated in melanocytes, which helps protect the skin from radiation.
Excessive passion for solarium or tanning leads to an increase in the number of nevi. If many moles appear on the body, then excessive sun exposure is to blame. The biomechanics of the interaction between the skin and the sun's rays is not fully understood, but indirect evidence is the rare formation of nevi on the buttocks.
Moles that increase in size should not be exposed to sunlight. You should not go out in the sun from 11 to 16 hours of the day. After tanning, many moles appear on the body. The appearance of nevi frightens sunbathers.
To reduce the likelihood of new moles appearing, you should give preference to light-colored fabrics in the summer. Excessive radiation can trigger the appearance of cancerous moles, which will rapidly increase in size.
Genetic predisposition and aging of the body
Older people often wonder why there are so many moles on their body. Indeed, observations show that the older a person is, the greater the number of nevi present throughout the skin. One of the reasons is the gradual appearance of moles throughout life, and by old age a large number is formed, which becomes noticeable.
Another reason why there are so many moles on the body as we age is that the skin is thinner than before. Because of this, deep nevi become more noticeable, brighter, and change color to a darker one.
Hormonal age-related changes also provoke an increase in the size and number of moles.
Those people whose closest relatives have a large number of nevi have a greater predisposition to age spots. It is believed that it depends on race, skin color and nationality, as well as genetic code, which increases the risk of developing nevi on the body.
Heredity is not a guarantee that moles will begin to appear in large numbers. Without provoking factors they do not develop.
Red moles
A person begins to worry when red nevi appear, especially if there are a lot of moles on the body. The reasons for the appearance of red dots are not completely clear, but the study of this phenomenon continues. Many theories have been put forward, but none have become an official part of evidence-based medicine.
One of the reasons for the appearance of red nevi is a malfunction of the large intestine or pancreas. But for now this remains a guess.
Another reason for the appearance of red dots is a violation of lipid metabolism and the development of skin pathology.
In any case, if many moles appear on the body in a short time, you should consult a doctor. Based on the results of tests and visual inspection, a specialist will determine whether they should be disposed of and whether they pose a danger to the body.
Moles on legs
Hanging moles are growths on the skin that have a bumpy cap. Color can vary from flesh to dark brown. Sometimes they have a completely invisible stalk or resemble a papilla.
A benign pedunculated mole does not pose a threat to a person, but careless handling of it leads to negative consequences.
Regardless of the color of the nevus, it is based on the pigment melanin, which forms the final color of the mole. The reason for this is a high accumulation of pigment in any area.
Moles on legs can cause the following problems:
- aesthetic discomfort when appearing on the face or neck;
- risk of developing into a malignant neoplasm;
- discomfort when rubbing with clothing or accidentally touching;
- risk of injury, which can lead to the development of cancer, infection and inflammation.
Pedicled moles are not dangerous, but their risk of degeneration into a malignant neoplasm is slightly higher than that of flat moles.
Why are moles dangerous?
Don't panic if you have a lot of moles on your body. The reasons for this should be determined by a doctor. Most nevi are absolutely not dangerous, but it is important to know the symptoms of moles that can become a threat to human health:
- Atypical. They can be recognized immediately when they appear; they have an unclear shape, uneven color and their size is more than 0.5 mm. They are often congenital, can be inherited and require specialist supervision.
Melanotic Hutchinson's freckles form as a flat spot containing two or more shades. They occur at the age of 50 years and older and form on the face. Their size increases, their color becomes darker, and over time they become malignant.
Skin neoplasms of unknown etiology form suddenly; a person sees that many moles have appeared on the body, the causes of which are unclear. In 60% of cases, the phenomenon precedes the development of melanoma.
What you should pay attention to and consult a doctor:
- change in color of the mole, especially in the middle;
- increase in thickness or height;
- the appearance of pain or blood;
- redness, swelling;
- itching or burning in the area of the nevus;
- division into several smaller moles, pieces falling off.
Moles in children
The reasons for the appearance of moles are still unknown. As a rule, a child is born with clear skin, but there are exceptions. Up to 6 months, several inconspicuous spots may appear, which parents do not pay attention to. The older the child gets, the more nevi form. Prolonged exposure to the sun helps to increase their size.
Parents are scared that a teenager has many moles on his body, but this is due to hormonal changes and rarely poses a threat.
Moles are divided into vascular and ordinary. Vascular lesions can range in color from pink to bright red and be flat or convex. Parents should pay attention to the size of the nevus. If it is more than 1 cm or is growing, you should consult a doctor for advice.
If a child picks or scratches a mole, apply a clean bandage and consult a doctor to eliminate the risk of infection and check the mole for good quality.
Moles during pregnancy
During pregnancy, many moles may appear on the body. The reasons for the appearance are not always clear, but they are associated with hormonal changes in the body. Neoplasms appear more often in the second trimester.
The appearance of moles indicates that the hormonal system is working properly and can cope with the stress. In some cases, nevi disappear during pregnancy. Often moles disappear after childbirth, but not always.
A darkened nevus during pregnancy indicates an increase in the amount of melanin, which causes the line on the abdomen and areola to darken. A pregnant woman should be alert to moles that have changed in size, lost their clear outline, or become two-colored.
Signs of many moles on the body
People have always treated strange spots on the body with interest. It is believed that the appearance of a nevus indicates an event in a person’s life:
- on the right eyebrow - early marriage;
- on the left eyebrow - an unhappy marriage;
- appears on the left cheek in passionate natures;
- on the right cheek promises success;
- a mole on a woman’s chest speaks of kindness;
- a mole on a man’s stomach is an unshakable character;
- on the shoulder - a calm life;
- on the right hand indicates a housewife, a worker;
- on the left - a lazy person;
- on the ankle indicates an energetic person;
- on the shin - hard work and self-confidence.
When to see a doctor
The appearance of a large number of moles is not a cause for concern. You should monitor them and consult a doctor if their size increases.
There are ways to reduce the spread of nevi. To do this, use tar soap, creams or ointments. Vitamin complexes help reduce the number of moles.
Particular attention should be paid to the functioning of the endocrine system. Moles require regular monitoring. If itching, thickening or swelling is detected, consultation with a specialist is required. When these symptoms appear, the risk of developing melanoma increases.
Under no circumstances should you remove moles yourself, as this can lead to infection. An examination by a dermatologist will determine the degree of risk and the need for removal.
Moles are benign formations on human skin. The localization of such neoplasms can be very diverse: they can be located on any part of the body and face. If you notice that you have many new moles on your body, then there is no need to panic. From this article you will learn about the reasons for the appearance of moles on the body, as well as their meaning.
Warning: mole
All pigmented moles are considered benign neoplasms and in 90% of cases, they never degenerate into something more terrible. However, it is worth protecting them from damage and exposure, including exposure to the sun. You should pay attention to the following points if:
- suddenly many moles appeared on the body.
- the edges of the nevus become uneven;
- the color of the spot changes;
- the mole quickly grows in width or upward;
- the skin on it cracks, hurts, itches.
Laser mole removal is fairly safe. But doctors believe that if a mole does not bother you and sits tightly on the body, then it is better to leave it alone. Moles are often removed on the collarbones, where they can be easily torn off or rubbed by a bra strap or handbag, as well as on the arms, legs, and lower back.
To reduce the risk of nevi degenerating into cancerous tumors, after 30 years of age, limit trips to the solarium and try to spend less time in the open sun. Sunscreen is required before going to the beach and after swimming. Cosmetics with ultraviolet filters will prevent the appearance of moles on the face in winter.
What is a mole
A mole is a pigmented formation on the skin. It occurs by overcrowding cells with melanocytes. In other words, a mole appears in a place where the accumulation of melanocytes is too high. The medical name for a mole is nevus. Nevus is absolutely not dangerous, since it is a benign formation.
If you notice any unusual changes, it is best to consult a dermatologist immediately. Sometimes a mole can develop into a malignant one, but this is very rare. This formation is called melanoma. This is a type of cancer that develops very rapidly and has quite serious consequences.
Why moles appear
Most moles appear at the age of 10 years. There are cases when a child is born with moles. This is a rare but completely normal occurrence. It is believed that moles appear during the period of hormonal changes in the body.
Women are more susceptible to hormonal changes than men. This is why females have more moles. Also, women often have moles on the mucous membranes. Moles may appear during pregnancy, and this is quite normal.
The appearance of moles is very common in pregnant women. Most mothers in this case run to the hospital for help or look for salvation on the Internet or reference books. To solve the problem, it is enough to find out what a mole is and why they appear.
Factors contributing to the appearance of new moles
It must be said that there are people whose bodies are covered with many moles. There are others who have virtually no moles. Newly born babies do not have pigmentation, and only with age, usually in the second year of life, moles appear. Nobody usually pays attention to the first moles - they are so invisible.
At the age of puberty, new moles appear. For some people, old moles only change during a hormonal surge. The increase in the number of moles is influenced by changes occurring in the body. In addition, moles can change color, size, become darker or brighter.
Pregnancy can also provoke the appearance of new moles. Direct sunlight contributes to the appearance of moles on the body.
What is a mole
A mole is a pigmented formation on the skin. It occurs by overcrowding cells with melanocytes. In other words, a mole appears in a place where the accumulation of melanocytes is too high. The medical name for a mole is nevus.
Nevus is absolutely not dangerous, since it is a benign formation. If moles on the skin do not bother or cause discomfort, then there is nothing wrong with it. Even if there are very large numbers of moles on the body. If a mole suddenly begins to grow, itch, bleed, or change color, then this should alert you. If you notice any unusual changes, it is best to consult a dermatologist immediately. Sometimes a mole can develop into a malignant one, but this is very rare. This formation is called melanoma. This is a type of cancer that develops very rapidly and has quite serious consequences.
Interesting and important facts
When a woman is pregnant, she experiences a crazy surge of hormones during lactation. This is a consequence of the fact that during pregnancy the body works for two, which is a lot of work for it. Hormones that are produced in double volume come to the rescue. This helps to cope with the load. The appearance of moles during pregnancy indicates that the hormonal system is working perfectly. Sometimes nevi disappear after a while, but this is not a reason to panic. More often than not, they last a lifetime and remind you of a wonderful time in your life.
It is worth paying attention if moles that appear during pregnancy begin to bother you. In principle, this applies not only to new but also to old formations. If you notice a change in color, swelling, itching or burning, consult a specialist immediately. This often happens in pregnant women due to hormonal explosions. After childbirth, everything falls into place. Such places must be carefully monitored so as not to cause harm. Try to avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays on these areas, do not scratch or press.
A specialist will help you understand the cause of discomfort. Alternatively, your doctor may suggest removing the mole to avoid the risk of developing melanoma. But this is already an extreme case. Often, pregnant women develop moles, but most often doctors do not remove such formations so as not to bother the mother and baby.
Why are there many moles on the body?
There are several reasons, and each of them is expressed in the characteristics of the human body. Such factors as astrology, esotericism, and the character of a person have absolutely nothing to do with it. Just an organism. So, most often people who have fair skin have a lot of moles. It contains a little melanin, and it does not spread throughout the skin, but is concentrated at certain points.
They are pigment spots. The second reason for the prevalence of moles is liver disease. At the same time, it is not necessary for the liver to hurt: it can be destroyed completely unnoticeably. The third significant reason is the incorrect distribution of human energy. If he is angry too much or, conversely, sad too little, being constantly cheerful and welcoming, his energy meridians are disrupted, causing moles to appear on the skin for the first time already in a person’s conscious age. These, in fact, are all the possible reasons for the massive appearance of birthmarks.
What does the appearance of new moles mean?
Moles are considered benign formations, regardless of whether they are congenital or acquired. But what is the reason for the appearance of new moles? Sometimes it is simply impossible to understand this issue - it is so difficult to trace the factor that provoked the appearance of the neoplasm. In any case, if you have a lot of moles on your body, there is no need to panic.
However, it is known that there are no places on the body where a new mole cannot appear, including the mucous membranes.
The appearance of new moles does not necessarily indicate the presence of a symptom of their malignant degeneration. In fact, the latter does not depend on quantity, but depends on condition. If a mole has changes - redness, swelling, hardening, soreness, itching, change in shape - these symptoms may be a cause for concern. In most cases, the transformation of a mole into melanoma, that is, into a malignant mole, occurs due to the fault of its carrier: for example, a person accidentally injured it, or constantly removed hair from the mole, etc.
Why did a red mole appear?
A red mole consists of many microscopic vessels. It can appear, as a rule, on any part of the body. Most often, red moles occur in young children and adolescents. Perhaps because it is in childhood that the human circulatory system undergoes certain changes. Often, red moles appear on the body of adults after prolonged exposure to the sun. They can be located in different layers of the skin and in different parts of the circulatory system: arterial, capillary or venous. Treatment depends on the location of the moles.
There is no need to worry about the appearance of red moles. Most of them can appear quickly and disappear just as quickly. Only a non-standard, rapidly growing mole that changes color can be a cause for concern.
In medicine, a red mole is called an angioma. It belongs to the category of safe skin diseases. Currently, the appearance of red moles has not been fully studied and there are only assumptions as to the main reason for their origin. A red mole has one main feature: when lightly pressed on it, it becomes pale, and then returns to its original natural color.
It is believed that the cause of the appearance of red moles on the body of an adult may be hormonal changes occurring in the body.
Therefore, if a red mole appears on your body, you should think about a preventative visit to the doctor. Perhaps the alarm will turn out to be false, but in cases with your own health, it is always worth being on the safe side. Also, the cause of the appearance of a red mole may be excessively intense work of blood vessels, or a deviation in the functioning of pigment cells responsible for skin pigmentation.
Many moles - is it good or bad?
In fact, there is nothing good about having too many moles. There are many legends that: a person who has many birthmarks will become happy; such a person is spiritually multifaceted and intellectually gifted; moles attract good luck and repel bad luck... There are a lot of options, but all of this is just wishful thinking. In fact, there is nothing good about a large number of moles. On the contrary, British scientists have recently proven that an abundance of age spots doubles the risk of developing skin cancer for their carrier.
The same pair of genes in the human body is responsible for both the formation of moles and the risk of developing cancer. People who do not have a large number of birthmarks do not have a trace of any of these genes. Thus, you need to fight the abundance of moles, so to speak, from the inside.
However, they have one advantage. Quite a dubious plus, I must say, but scientists seem to have proven it. The fact is that a huge number of birthmarks have a beneficial effect on a person’s biological age, reducing it by 5-7 years. As a result, people with nevi are more active and internally young. Even if this theory has a scientific basis, it is unlikely that its results should be taken as an axiom. It is unlikely that they apply to everyone.
What do moles mean?
There are many signs associated with spots on the body. In some places this is a good sign, in others it is a warning. Turgenev in his story “Mumu” mentions that “moles on the left cheek are considered in Rus' to be a bad omen - a harbinger of an unhappy life.” In India, it was also believed that having moles on the left side of the body was bad for a woman, but good for a man.
Otherwise, the location of moles was largely interpreted quite literally:
- Moles on the head signified the degree of a person’s influence on others and his resistance to fate.
- Moles hidden by hair gave supernatural powers.
- Dark signs on the feet meant a desire to travel and a frequent change of place of residence.
- Markings on the calves are a sign of jockeys, circus performers, dancers who have a strong will, but a vulnerable soul.
- Moles on the stomach served as a sign of bad nature: craving for bad habits, promiscuity in sex. It also mattered what organ the sign was located over and what size it was.
- The signs on the back promised a righteous lifestyle, but poor health.
- On a woman's breast, small spots characterized the owner as a good mother and wife, but under the breast - as a fatal temptress.
A small brown mole on the palm had many meanings. On the Saturn line it meant a difficult fate, but right in the center, on the contrary, a happy married life. On the life line - health problems, at the base of the thumb - infertility and other problems with childbirth. Under the little finger, the forecast was more favorable: immediately below the base of the finger - success in business, and below - success in relationships.
Wherever moles are located, it is better not to pay attention to bad omens. Let them be symbols of your beauty and uniqueness.
What to do if many moles appear on the body
It is worth saying that a large number of moles in itself is not a reason to panic. Especially if they have been on the human body since childhood. It makes sense to worry if there are gradually more and more of them, because this is the first sign of possible melanoma.
To prevent benign formations from becoming malignant, they need to be “preserved.” It is not at all necessary to remove moles, it is enough just to stop their constant appearance. Fortunately, nowadays this can be done in many ways:
- using special soap, which can be bought at most pharmacies;
- using simple tar soap, although it does not help every person;
- by applying various creams and ointments to the skin;
- taking appropriate vitamins, such as D3;
- just trying to keep my endocrine system healthy.
And if moles begin to make themselves felt unpleasantly, you need to urgently run to an endocrinologist. Swelling, deformation and itching are the main factors to pay attention to. If at least one of them comes true, you cannot hesitate. After all, melanoma arises precisely from such symptoms, which means that they must be carefully avoided.
Bleeding will almost certainly occur, and on top of this, it is quite possible that there will be blood poisoning. Then it will be very difficult to deal with the surging problems, especially realizing that you yourself are to blame for everything. So for treatment of swollen or itchy moles, you should contact only a professional endocrinologist.