Birthmarks are quite delicate areas of the skin. Should you worry if you have a pimple on your mole? At a minimum, you need to familiarize yourself with information about possible causes, read about the symptoms, so that you can then draw conclusions and take appropriate measures.
Pimple on a mole
What does the appearance of a pimple on a mole mean?
When you see such a phenomenon as a pimple on a mole, you should not panic. We must remember that acne can appear anywhere in our body where there are sebaceous glands. And the latter are located almost throughout the body, except for the palms and feet. Moles are formed from skin cells, so a pimple can form on them too. The primary source of acne formation is considered to be clogged pores. And this, in turn, depends on the following factors:
- If a pimple appears on a mole, the cause may be hormonal levels. The level of testosterone in the blood increases (if there is a hormonal imbalance), which leads to the accumulation of sebaceous secretions. As a result, inflammation of acne occurs on and near birthmarks. Such hormonal surges are most often observed during puberty, menopause or pregnancy, in the days before menstruation, or while taking hormone-based medications.
- Cell keratinization can also cause acne to appear on moles anywhere on the body. When the surface of the nevus becomes coarser, the process of sebaceous secretion coming out slows down. As a result, an inflammatory process can form under the skin, which will then appear as a pimple on a mole. This type of eel usually has a white lump inside.
- If you have a pimple on or near a mole, trauma to the birthmark may also be the cause. If you damage a mole and a crack remains on it, dust or dirt getting into it can also cause an inflammatory process.
- Another cause of growths on nevi can be an insect bite, after which a purulent process begins. It can be distinguished by signs of severe itching and slight swelling at the site of the injured mole.
Dangerous symptoms
If you have a pimple on a mole, it may be a sign of a dangerous disease. We are talking about cancer here. When a pimple appears on a mole more than once, this is the first symptom of melanoma. It is also worth paying attention to new growths that appear on the skin and make you doubt whether it is a pimple or a mole. But only a doctor can make a final diagnosis after completing special histological studies.
And although acne on a mole can most often appear due to inflammation and hormonal imbalance, if they occur, you should immediately consult a dermatologist. A birthmark is considered a formation on the body that requires observation. And if it, moreover, changes in size and color, then an urgent inspection is necessary.
How to treat acne on a mole
If a pimple appears in such a delicate area, doctors do not recommend removing acne by squeezing it from the skin. After all, this often leads to protracted inflammatory processes. Removing growths from moles is strictly prohibited. The consequences can be most alarming. Any mechanical damage to the integrity of the nevus can lead to the formation of melanoma. Therefore, you should not squeeze a pimple in a mole. Let it ripen and dry on its own.
How to dry a pimple on a nevus?
If doctors do not recommend touching a growth on a mole, then how can you avoid worsening their condition? Acne on birthmarks is still worth touching, namely, they need to be disinfected and dried, especially if the place they have chosen is the face. And for these purposes you can use iodide solution or medical alcohol. How to do it correctly:
- To dry a pimple under a mole, you need to take a cotton swab, soak it in a container with medical alcohol, and then apply it to the inflamed area for a few minutes. This procedure should be repeated every 4-5 hours;
- you can do all of the above with iodine;
- Under no circumstances should hydrogen peroxide be used for drying. The strong oxidizing effect that it has can destroy the microstructure of the birthmark on which the acne popped up.
If methods of drying acne on birthmarks do not bring results, acne forms again and again, the nevus begins to increase, and the pain intensifies over the course of a week, you need to consult a doctor. Surgery may be needed.
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Moles are new growths that can be harmless, but sometimes dangerous. Should you be worried if a pimple appears on a mole? This question is of concern especially when, due to inflammation, pain and discomfort are felt in the area of the birthmark.
What do you need to know about such a situation, and what is the right thing to do so as not to harm your health?
ICD-10 code
Causes of pimple on a mole
Acne tends to appear on any areas of the skin in which sebaceous canals (skin pores) are present. This means that a pimple can occur anywhere except the soles of your feet and palms of your hands. If a sebaceous gland channel passes through a mole, then an acne can form here too. This happens when the canal is blocked, which can occur under the influence of the following factors:
- with hormonal imbalance, with a sharp change in hormonal status (for example, in pregnant women, in adolescents, before the onset of menstruation or during menopause, or while taking hormonal drugs);
- when the surface of a mole hardens due to microtrauma or age-related keratinization of cells;
- in case of irritation of a mole, its contamination, or an inflammatory process in the sebaceous duct;
- after an insect bite, which is accompanied by slight swelling of the surface of the mole;
- with excessive sebum secretion.
The pathogenesis of the appearance of a pimple on a mole is simple: the sebaceous canal is blocked (by secretions or external factors - dust or dirt), and a kind of plug is formed in the lumen of the canal. If an infection gets into the canal, inflammation develops, which serves as an impetus for the appearance of a pimple - an inflammatory formation with purulent or serous contents.
[1]
Symptoms of a pimple on a mole
The clinical symptoms of acne that grow inside a mole are varied. Most often, acne affects birthmarks located on areas of the skin with a large number of sebaceous ducts - this is the area of the back, face or chest.
The first signs of pimple growth are the appearance of a painful infiltrate inside the nevus. Initially, the compaction looks like a cone-shaped nodule (papule) of a red hue. Over time, the inflammatory reaction increases, the nodule increases in size, and an abscess with white contents (pustule) becomes noticeable in its middle.
After some time, the pimple opens, the pus comes out, and a crust forms on the surface. After the crust falls off, a small scar may remain, but often it is completely invisible.
The entire process of the appearance and regression of a pimple can take about one week.
Is a white pimple on a mole considered dangerous?
In the vast majority of cases, the appearance of a white pimple on a mole has nothing to do with cancer. Only rarely can one suspect a malignant degeneration of a nevus: in this case, the appearance of the mole changes, some discomfort appears, and pimples can appear in this place quite often. A biopsy of a modified formation will unmistakably indicate melanoma.
If such symptoms occur and the mole is suspicious, then the best solution would be to consult a dermatologist. We must not forget that any formation on the skin, be it a birthmark or anything else, requires special attention, and even more so if there are any changes in it.
Observe the mole for several days. If the pimple does not go away and the condition of the spot continues to bother you, do not hesitate, consult a doctor.
Where does it hurt?
Complications and consequences
Is it possible to squeeze a pimple on a mole? Will this lead to complications?
It is generally not recommended to squeeze pimples, regardless of where exactly they are located. It is especially undesirable to squeeze pimples located on a mole. The fact is that when pressure is applied, the inflammatory process can spread along the periphery and into the depths of the tissue. When the process moves into the subcutaneous fat layer, an abscess develops, which often increases to a significant purulent focus. Necrosis may form in the depths.
All of the above complications can negatively affect the mole itself. A strong inflammatory process damages the tissue of the birthmark, which increases in size, swells, and becomes painful. In this case, the risk of malignant degeneration increases several times.
You can suspect something is wrong in the following cases:
- if the mole has changed its color;
- if a dark or light rim appears around the mole;
- if the mole has become asymmetrical;
- if pimples appear on the mole constantly and in large quantities.
[2], [3], [4]
Diagnosis of a pimple on a mole
When a patient suffering from a pimple on a mole seeks medical help, the doctor conducts an examination and determines whether there is a pathology. If the doctor sees no reason for concern, this is usually the end of the appointment. If the mole is suspicious, the patient is prescribed a biopsy. This procedure is carried out using several methods: the choice of method depends on the area where the suspicious mole is located.
After the biopsy, results will be obtained that will indicate whether the birthmark is malignant or not. If the diagnosis of melanoma is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe other tests, the purpose of which is to clarify the characteristics of the tumor and more accurately determine the most optimal method of treatment.
Instrumental diagnostics may include examination of smears that the doctor takes from the surface of the mole. Using a microscope, he determines the cellular composition and nature of the cells. It is also possible to use fluorescent microscopy, dermatoscopy and blood tests for tumor markers.
[5], [6], [7]
Differential diagnosis
Differential diagnosis is carried out with melanoma and basal cell carcinoma of the skin.
[8], [9], [10], [11], [12]
Who to contact?
Treatment of a pimple on a mole
The most important principle to remember when a pimple appears on a mole: under no circumstances should you squeeze it out.
Firstly, such an action can aggravate inflammation and cause it to spread into deep tissues.
Secondly, any violation of the integrity of the birthmark tissue increases the chances of malignant degeneration.
From here we can conclude what to do if a pimple appears on a mole:
- do not squeeze or burn it;
- wait until the inflammatory nodule resolves on its own;
- consult a doctor and dispel all worries.
In what case is it recommended to resort to treatment for a pimple on a mole? All therapeutic measures can be aimed at preventing infection of the inflamed element and accelerating healing.
Medicines that ensure cleanliness and disinfection of the surface of the mole:
- boric alcohol is an antiseptic that is used to wash moles twice a day - in the morning and at night;
- an alcohol solution of iodine is an antimicrobial drug that is applied pointwise to the top of the pimple. It is not recommended to completely treat the birthmark with iodine;
- Ugrin is a herbal tincture consisting of natural ingredients, which is used to treat a pimple on a mole 2-3 times a day.
Homeopathy also offers its own drugs to eliminate inflammatory elements on the skin:
- Arnica-Heel - used for any inflammatory processes in the body;
- Belladonna-Homaccord - helps with boils, carbuncles and purulent pimples;
- Calendula-Salbe-Heel - used for long-healing wounds;
- Cutis compositum - stimulates the immune system, including at the local level, helping to get rid of acne of various localizations.
Surgical treatment is used for any moles that pose a danger and are close to degenerating into a cancerous tumor. It is also recommended to remove any moles whose diameter exceeds 0.6 cm.
Removal can be done in any convenient way:
- surgically;
- laser method;
- cryodestruction method (using liquid nitrogen);
- by electrocoagulation (cauterization);
- using radio waves.
The necessity and choice of removal method is determined by the doctor, taking into account the properties of the mole: its size, location, etc.
Traditional treatment for pimple on a mole
Folk remedies for acne treatment are most often based on the use of plants, which can be used alone or in the form of mixtures. Most often, herbs with anti-inflammatory activity are suitable for this purpose. These are calendula, sage, St. John's wort, chamomile, celandine, and other plants.
- Elecampane grass (1 tbsp) is poured with 250 ml of boiling water and left to cool. Soak a cotton pad in the infusion and treat the problem area.
- Wipe the pimple with freshly squeezed plantain juice.
- Prepare an infusion of chamomile blossom (1 tbsp per 250 ml of water). Wipe the pimple in the morning and at night.
- Brew a mixture of chamomile, mint leaves and green tea. Wipe the skin with the infusion, morning and evening.
- Prepare medicinal lotion: 1 tbsp. l. mint leaves are poured into 200 ml of boiling water, left for 10 minutes, filtered. Add 1 tbsp to the infusion. l. boric acid, 1 tbsp. l. calendula infusion and the same amount of fresh lemon juice. The resulting lotion is used to wipe the pimple area twice a day.
Herbal treatment can be combined with the use of other household methods:
- lubricate the area with the pimple with a small amount of toothpaste;
- Apply a thick solution of baking soda to the surface.
It is not recommended to burn a pimple, as this can cause damage to the tissue of the mole, which is unsafe.
[13], [14], [15]
Acne is an unpleasant phenomenon in itself. And if it arose on a mole, then it’s also alarming.
What does it mean and what to do if a pimple appears on a mole?
Does it need to be treated, and what methods should be used for this?
- All information on the site is for informational purposes only and is NOT a guide to action!
- Can give you an ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS only DOCTOR!
- We kindly ask you NOT to self-medicate, but make an appointment with a specialist!
- Health to you and your loved ones!
Since moles and birthmarks themselves are neoplasms on the skin, which can turn from benign to malignant.
They need to be constantly monitored in order to take timely measures in case of any changes.
And if a pimple on a mole becomes inflamed, hurts and does not go away for a long time, then the person begins to worry seriously: is this a signal of some hidden disease?
Do I need to see a doctor?
And what to do with the eel - squeeze it out, cauterize it, or just leave it as is, relying on the natural processes in the body?
To answer these questions, you must first find out why the pimple popped up in this particular place, and then take action.
Reasons for appearance
Everything that happens in the body has its own explanation, and so does the occurrence of acne.
A pimple appears only on those areas of the skin where there are sebaceous glands.
When excess sebum accumulates in the canal, it becomes clogged and often becomes inflamed, resulting in acne.
A mole is also considered part of the skin, it just consists of slightly different cells, therefore, if there is a malfunction of the sebaceous glands, a rash can occur on it too.
It is important to establish what exactly caused this violation.
Photo: formation of pimples next to a mole
If a pimple appears on a mole, the reasons may be as follows:
- hormonal surge in the body. Menstruation, pregnancy, puberty or, conversely, menopause, treatment with drugs containing hormones, or taking hormonal contraceptives. At the same time, the amount of the hormone testosterone increases significantly, which provokes the accumulation of sebum in the pores;
- keratinization of nevus cells. If the surface of a mole or birthmark begins to coarse and thicken, the sebaceous secretion lingers in the pores and causes inflammation;
- nevus injury. If there was an abrasion or scratch on it and dirt got there, this can also cause acne. In this case, the acne itself may not cause any discomfort even with pressure, and only visually it will be noticeable that the mole has changed.
A bite of an insect
Such a coincidence that a mosquito or wasp bites a person on a mole is rare, but it does occur.
In this case, irritation and infection occur due to insect venom and microbes entering the wound.
As a result, after a bite, the mole can become very large, swollen, red, and the person feels itching, burning and pain.
Acne of this origin requires a slightly different approach to treatment, since malfunction of the sebaceous glands has nothing to do with it.
Is a pimple on a mole dangerous?
Could it be that an innocent pimple on a mole is the beginning of a serious illness?
Yes, unfortunately, especially if it appears regularly in the same place.
Eruptions on nevi themselves are not a serious problem, but require more attention than acne on any other area of the skin.
Why does a white halo appear around a mole after sunbathing? Read here.
But if a painful omentum on a birthmark comes out, does not go away for a long time, redness and swelling appear near it, other inflamed omentums appear - consult a doctor as soon as possible.
The transformation of a mole into a malignant tumor is called melanoma; one of the symptoms of this disease at the initial stage is the appearance of acne on or around the mole.
Therefore, if you have a similar problem, it is worth making an appointment with a dermatologist, but there is no need to panic prematurely.
The diagnosis can only be made by a doctor and only after a thorough examination and histological analysis.
Video: “What danger do moles pose?”
Treatment
It is not recommended to squeeze out any pimples on the face or other part of the body, especially on moles next to or under them.
This should not be done under any circumstances, even in a professional beauty salon!
One patient thought, that a pimple on a mole can simply be removed and cauterized with an alcohol-containing liquid - and I squeezed it out. A small pimple turned into a huge abscess, the treatment of which took several weeks, leaving a scar on my face.
Therefore, if you have an omentum or abscess in an unusual place, on a birthmark, on the face or other part of the body, do not rush to scratch and squeeze it out, no matter how much it irritates you.
The fact is that any damage to a mole can trigger the development of melanoma.
Even if everything was fine until now, by using rough methods on an ordinary pimple you can cause a dangerous disease.
Is it possible to pull hair out of a mole? Find out here.
What does a mole on the right leg mean? Read on.
Drying
How to avoid making a big problem out of a small eel?
The main thing is to keep it clean, prevent infection and constantly dry its surface.
For this, medical alcohol or iodine is used.
- Use a cotton swab to gently lubricate the rash every three to four hours.
- You don't have to treat the entire mole or spot, just the pimple itself.
- It should dry out after a few days and then disappear on its own.
At this time, you should not treat it with a scrub, hydrogen peroxide, or other aggressive cosmetic or medicinal products, so as not to accidentally injure the skin or cause an infection.
The following tools are also suitable:
- a solution of boric alcohol, which should be used to lubricate the sore spot;
- psilo-balm, if a pimple appears after an insect bite, it will relieve swelling and itching and prevent scratching;
- a mixture of baking soda and boiled water, which is applied on a cotton swab to a nevus with an abscess - this method also relieves itching, redness and pain.
If none of the remedies help, redness appears in the sore spot, it hurts, there are more acne, it’s time to go to the doctor.
He will prescribe effective treatment.
Sometimes, to prevent a pimple from degenerating into a malignant tumor, doctors recommend removing it along with the mole, after weighing the pros and cons.
But this can only be done in specialized medical institutions.
Prevention measures
Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure – and acne too.
Prevention of acne formation on moles and birthmarks includes the following:
- compliance with hygiene rules. It is very important to keep your skin clean and properly care for it, using cosmetics that are suitable for the type. But at the same time, it is better not to touch moles - the reaction to a new soap or gel can be unpredictable;
- Monitor your health and try to avoid any factors that may affect the hormonal levels of your body. If you are nevertheless prescribed hormonal drugs, try to choose the gentlest ones and, if possible, shorten the course of treatment;
- Also watch your diet and habits - fatty, salty, sweet, smoked foods, alcohol and smoking, if abused, can cause skin rashes, including nevi.
Why do moles on the human body fade with age? Read here.
What does a mole on the palm of the left hand mean for women? Find out further.
Since acne often appears after insect bites, if you often spend time outdoors, in the forest or on the banks of water bodies, be sure to:
- protect your face and areas with moles;
- use various means to repel flying insects - sprays, lotions, aerosols, essential oils.
As a summary, we can conclude that the appearance of a pimple on a mole should not be scary, but this phenomenon cannot be ignored.
Try to cure it at home by choosing one of the methods mentioned above.
If you feel that the pimple is becoming problematic, it does not go away for a long time and does not respond to traditional treatment, seek medical help from a specialist.
Video: “Moles are spots of fate”