Why do moles hang?
Moles can be very different: from slightly red and small, blue and pink, to large and black. But, despite this, what scares people most is not the dark, convex nevi from which hairs grow, etc., but simple hanging moles. Such moles seem harmless in appearance:
- For the most part they are light in color, pink or white, but can be a little darker;
- As a rule, they are small,
- They resemble small papillae.
However, subconsciously, moles scare everyone, perhaps because of the danger of tearing off such a mole. Hanging moles do not represent anything special that would be worth “clinging to”: they are simple moles formed from the epidermis under the influence of melanin.
The peculiarity of appearance is just a feature of convex moles, which are often classified not only in nevi, but also in the group of papillomas, and therefore it is believed that if a lot of hanging moles begin to appear, then a person may be developing the human papillomavirus. In fact, it is impossible to speak specifically and confidently about this; only a doctor can solve this issue, so if you have any questions, you should not try to diagnose yourself; you should consult a dermatologist. And you shouldn’t believe people who claim that you can get rid of hanging moles like sores (lotions, cauterization, ointments, etc.) - they have different ways of formation, therefore, the methods of removal are completely different.
Very often, new moles appear in teenagers and pregnant women. If teenagers are less interested in their health, then a pregnant woman may be disturbed by any change in the body or in the body. So women are very interested in why hanging moles appear during pregnancy. It's all about changes in hormones in the body: at this time, hormonal surges most often appear and are observed, regardless of your goals.
Causes of hanging moles.
Everyone is interested in what is the main reason for the appearance of hanging moles on the body. However, each person will have their own reason, depending on the specific situation and the characteristics of the processes in the body.
- Hormonal changes. As already noted, hormones strongly influence the formation of new hanging moles. Hormonal levels change greatly, primarily during pregnancy. For this reason, the formation of new hanging moles in pregnant women is not nonsense, but a completely normal phenomenon, which many women know about. Also, hanging moles often appear in adolescents when hormones are “boiling,” and in people who have recently started taking hormonal medications, for example, for medicinal purposes for medical reasons.
- Aging. This is still just an American theory of moles rash on the body. According to her, the reasons for hanging moles on the neck, back, armpits and other parts of the body are that the body aging very quickly and it is necessary to take action. Russian scientists have not yet refuted, but have not confirmed this option for the appearance of new moles on the body.
- Human papillomavirus. To determine whether the rash of moles on your body is really associated with this virus, you need to see a doctor and get the necessary tests.
- Ultraviolet. This is one of the most striking and common reasons for the appearance of moles on the body, not only during pregnancy. For this reason, any dermatologist will give you useful recommendations on how to prevent the appearance of new moles (especially in the summer): in the summer, try to avoid exposure to the sun from 10 to 16 pm, wear closed clothes, use sunscreens or sprays, do not forget wear sunglasses and a hat.
INTERESTING. New hanging moles most often appear on exposed areas of the body that are often exposed to sunlight, especially direct sunlight. Most often, these are the face, arms, shoulders and back.
Are hanging moles dangerous?
We are talking about whether the appearance of new hanging moles on the body of a pregnant woman is dangerous. Oddly enough, it is during pregnancy that women notice new or first hanging moles on their body. There is nothing strange about this, especially if pregnancy occurs in the summer. The female body changes while bearing a child, causing a woman's hormonal background to change, accompanied by a surge of hormones. This, as a rule, influences the appearance of hanging moles during pregnancy. In addition, if a pregnant woman relaxes at the seaside, which is not complete without sunbathing, even in safe times, this is enough for the body and a new hanging mole is already visible from the epidermis.
By themselves, hanging moles are just benign neoplasms that can rarely indicate the negative impact of their presence. In fact, a benign mole will not degenerate into a malignant formation if it is not torn off, rubbed, tugged at or touched. However, there is a risk of a harmless nevus degenerating into a dangerous melanoma, so it is worth periodically inspecting changes in hanging moles. Here's what should get your attention:
- The appearance of pain in the area of the mole, as well as when touching it,
- An increase in size of a mole, albeit quickly in a short period of time,
- Darkening or redness of the mole,
- Bleeding of the mole or discharge of clear fluid,
- Itching of the mole, burning inside or around it,
- Formation of a strange spot around a hanging mole,
- A drooping nevus, which looks like a hanging mole turning into a pedunculated mole.
If you observe the same symptoms, you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible, as if you tore off a hanging mole. A dermatologist will examine the nevus and decide whether there is a need to remove this mole, whether it is dangerous and what should be done.
What is important to know about hanging moles.
First of all, understand that hanging moles during pregnancy are no worse or more dangerous than simple flat or convex moles. But be more attentive to their manifestations, which will make your life much easier and allow you to relax your nerves.
The neck is a favorite place for moles. However, their danger is that if you forget, you can scratch the mole so that you scratch or tear it off, especially if you have long nails. What to do if you still rip off a mole?
- Be sure to cauterize the mole with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution;
- If bleeding is observed, then after cauterizing the mole with peroxide, it is necessary to apply gauze or a bandage to the site of injury. Fold the bandage so that it will contain the bleeding. You will have to keep the bandage or gauze on the injury for about 10 minutes;
- If there is no bleeding, simply apply cotton wool soaked in hydrogen peroxide to the injured area, dry it slightly and lubricate the wound with brilliant green;
- Even if there is no bleeding, see a dermatologist or oncologist to check the mole's reaction to injury.
We advise owners of moles in the armpit area to shave more carefully so as not to accidentally cut off a mole. In addition to the fact that this is dangerous due to the degeneration of the mole, you can also introduce infection or dirt, both from the razor blade and from sweat. It is the armpits that are famous for storing bacteria and microbes in large quantities, which can easily get into the wound if shaving improperly.
By the way, for those who accidentally not only scratched or tore off a mole, but cut it off completely, we advise you not to throw away the nevus, but to wrap it in gauze or a bandage and take it to the doctor as soon as possible so that the cut nevus can be submitted for analysis.
Hanging moles during pregnancy are formations that appear during the period of bearing a child. The appearance of new age spots in women while expecting a baby is a common process associated with hormonal changes and changes in the body. In most cases, nevi that occur on the neck, abdomen, back, and other parts of the body do not cause problems, but the woman is afraid of the risk of injury and further malignancy. To protect yourself from anxiety, it is recommended to see a doctor and follow his recommendations in the future.
Can pregnancy affect the appearance of moles and their changes?
The reason for the appearance of new age spots while expecting a baby is a change in hormonal levels. Most formations occur in the 2nd trimester. Women are afraid of the degeneration of benign formations into melanomas.
Gynecologists note that the appearance of age spots indicates good functioning of the hormonal system. The body of the expectant mother helps itself to cope with the increased load.
The main reasons for the appearance of new formations during pregnancy have been identified:
- Exposure to ultraviolet radiation. It is better to limit exposure to active sun, avoiding exposure to the stomach.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Hormonal changes.
The reasons are not dangerous. The appearance of a growth during the period of bearing a child does not relate to the risk of developing pathology. Concerns changes in the size of nevi. Some notice that the spots increase in size or gradually discolor and disappear completely; the process occurs individually. You should ask your question to the gynecologist managing the pregnancy, and if necessary, consult a dermatologist.
Reasons for the appearance of moles after childbirth
Pregnancy and lactation are a hormone-dependent process. This largely explains the appearance of new age spots on the skin. When a large amount of melanin accumulates in cells, nevi appear.
The main reason for the formation of age spots during breastfeeding is a hormonal surge. Secondary reasons for this process include:
- Skin injury.
- Heredity.
- Prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Infectious diseases.
The peculiarity of the appearance of age spots during lactation is that they do not cause painful or uncomfortable sensations. Many will disappear when a woman stops breastfeeding. The danger is represented by formations, the appearance of which is accompanied by discomfort, itching and burning. It should be remembered that it is prohibited to get rid of moles on your own after pregnancy. A doctor's consultation is required first.
Is the condition dangerous?
Skin spots that appear during gestation do not pose any danger to the expectant mother's body in most cases. Internal systems and organs adapt to the new state, and emerging formations are the result of restructuring.
In some cases, benign moles are at risk of degenerating into malignant tumors. Malignancy is promoted by:
- long-term, regular exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
- injury;
- genetic predisposition to malignancy.
It is worth paying attention if the growth changes shape, color, or begins to sharply increase or decrease. Constant itching is an alarming symptom. With such a clinical picture, you need to contact a dermatologist or oncologist. After a comprehensive examination and necessary tests, a decision will be made to remove the nevus. If it does not pose a threat, conservative treatment methods should be used.
In some cases, women notice that red moles remain after pregnancy. The change in color in this case is not dangerous, provided that there are no other disturbing symptoms. A woman should observe education for some time. The reason for contacting a doctor should be:
- Itching.
- The beginning of the inflammatory process and redness of the skin around the area with pigmentation. The process may be accompanied by an increase in body temperature.
- Painful sensations when palpating the nevus. If you ignore the situation, pain will appear even in a calm state. The situation will worsen if there is a risk of permanent injury from clothing.
- Gradually, the nevus may take on a convex appearance and continue to itch.
Which nevi are best to remove?
In most cases, a woman does not have to remove birthmarks during pregnancy. Recommendations for intervention include inconvenient location of the formation and an increased risk of permanent injury.
- Nevi on the chest do not cause problems in ordinary life. When a woman is expecting a child, and even during pregnancy planning, it is worth considering that when breastfeeding, the risk of injury increases significantly. The child can regularly damage the formation on the nipple, which will have negative consequences. In this case, the doctor raises the question of removing the mole. Do it better before conception. But successful procedures are also carried out when carrying a child.
- You should talk about removal if a mole on your stomach itches, actively grows, or darkens. The procedure is carried out before conception. If the situation arose during pregnancy, consultation with a gynecologist or dermatologist is required. If there is a risk of malignancy, the growth will be removed using a gentle method without danger to the fetus. If it is possible to wait until the baby is born, the procedure will be performed after the baby is born. A common cause of changes is changes in hormone levels. Does not pose a threat to health.
- The risk of damage to nevi located in the intimate area is quite high. Gynecologists pay attention to this situation when planning pregnancy. It is optimal to carry out the procedure at the current stage. During childbirth, moles on the genitals are easily damaged. Increases the risk of increased blood loss and the development of complications in the future. This also applies to growths in the perineal area.
If it is necessary to remove a mole during pregnancy, a laser is used. The method is suitable in almost all cases. The exception is urgent intervention. Then surgery under local anesthesia is required. Using a scalpel, the surgeon removes the affected skin and healthy tissue, reducing the risk of relapse and malignancy.
What symptoms should you consult a doctor for?
There is no need to panic when, while waiting for the baby, the expectant mother’s number of age spots begins to actively increase. The situation is a sign of the active functioning of the hormonal system. Pigment formations that change color are not a cause for concern.
The reason for contacting a dermatologist or oncologist may be:
- Rapid increase in nevus size.
- Soreness.
- Discharge with blood.
- The appearance of a red, inflamed halo around the spot.
- Peeling of the skin around the formation.
- A new mole of an asymmetrical shape with blurred edges.
- Heterogeneity of the surface of the build-up, the appearance of microcracks.
- Formation of a nevus stalk. The growths are easy to tear off and injure.
The combination of unpleasant symptoms is a signal to undergo a medical examination and tests. It is easier to prevent the process of malignancy than to eliminate the consequences that negatively affect the health of a young mother and newborn.
Pregnancy is a tremulous time for a woman. The expectant mother should be aware of the normal manifestations of the hormonal system and emerging deviations. Self-monitoring and timely diagnosis will prevent negative consequences and maintain health.
Medical expert article
Moles during pregnancy are a common cause of concern for many expectant mothers during pregnancy.
Each new formation during this period causes not only a storm of emotions - a state akin to panic. And then the expectant mother runs to the doctor, or rummages through mountains of books and pages on the Internet devoted to this topic.
[1], [2], [3], [4]
Are moles dangerous during pregnancy?
What is a mole, and especially during pregnancy, is the first logical question that arises for the expectant mother. Let's talk. A mole, including during pregnancy, is a neoplasm on the skin of the human body. Moles are divided into congenital and those that appear throughout a person’s life. There is no need to be afraid of moles. This is a benign formation. They can become a malignant tumor only when a person has a genetic predisposition to this. In addition, mechanical damage and exposure to ultraviolet radiation can lead to transformation into a malignant tumor. According to experts, moles appear where cells are overcrowded with melanocytes. Melanocytes, in turn, are a certain type of skin cells that produce melanin. And it is where melanocytes accumulate in especially large quantities that a mole appears. In medical practice, moles are called nevi.
In general, moles are not dangerous at all. Naturally, if they are a benign formation. Then a large number of them still does not give cause for concern. The reason to be wary may be the growth of a mole, itching, change in shade or color, or bleeding. If some strange changes begin to occur with a mole, only in this case you should worry and schedule an examination with a good dermatologist.
A mole that has taken on the appearance of a malignant formation is called melanoma. In this case, it is important to pay attention to the problem in time,
[5], [6], [7]
Causes of moles during pregnancy
If we talk about the human body in general and the appearance of moles, then most often they begin to form when a person reaches the age of ten. However, everywhere, but not very often, situations occur that a baby is born already having moles on his body as a newborn. This situation may occur once in a hundred times.
What can we say about the usual appearance of moles on the human body, the most common causes of the appearance of moles are exposure to ultraviolet radiation and hormonal imbalances in the body. Although these do not necessarily have to be failures - most often we are talking about various hormonal changes in the body. The first example of this is puberty. Situations are very common when, upon reaching the age of eleven to fourteen, a teenager discovers the appearance of new moles on the body. Other hormonal changes that can lead to the formation of moles include: pregnancy, abortion, menopause, and certain medications that a person takes.
The female body is characterized by a greater number of body changes associated with hormonal changes. This explains the fact that the presence of moles is more common in women than in men.
Therefore, you should not be afraid if moles begin to appear during pregnancy. This process is completely natural and logical. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are characterized by frantic surges of hormonal levels. Thus, metabolic processes in the female body during pregnancy are regulated, and hormones also help the growth of the fetus. The female body has to work twice as hard to withstand such a load; the body begins to secrete hormones in double quantities. The appearance of moles during pregnancy just indicates the excellent functioning of the hormonal system. Therefore, fear and panic are completely inappropriate here. Moreover, moles that appear during pregnancy often disappear after some time. Of course, moles don’t always go away, but such cases do happen. If moles do not disappear, try to look at this situation differently - let them remind you of the great happiness of having a child.
Why did a mole get bigger during pregnancy?
The appearance of moles during pregnancy in itself is a process that does not require concern. It’s another matter if strange transformations begin to occur with new and old moles. For example, the following facts should attract the attention of the expectant mother:
- change in mole color;
- increase in the size of the mole;
- pain in a mole;
- the presence of itching or burning in the area of the birthmark;
- swelling of a previously flat mole.
Any of the above processes is a significant enough reason to contact a specialist. There is no need to panic in advance, since the changes that occurred with the birthmark could only be caused by hormonal stress.
A specialist will examine the mole and will be able to tell you what is happening to it and how to properly care for this birthmark. The most common tips for caring for a mole that has enlarged during pregnancy:
- hide a mole that has increased in size during pregnancy from direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
- if a mole has increased in size during pregnancy, under no circumstances should it be allowed to be injured;
- If the size of a mole increases during pregnancy, under no circumstances should you allow it to be scratched;
- Squeezing out an enlarged mole is contraindicated, even if there is an accumulation of fluid in it.
Who to contact?
Mole removal during pregnancy
An experienced specialist can easily allay concerns about a strange or newly formed mole. Removing moles during pregnancy - the expectant mother will be asked to take this step in some extreme cases, if the situation is very serious and there is a risk that melanoma will develop. All other cases are common, which is why doctors usually do not resort to removing moles during pregnancy. The most that a specialist can advise is to tell you how to properly treat a birthmark and how best to care for it.
Myths regarding moles during pregnancy
We can talk about the superstition of pregnant women at length and at length. Moles are one of the popular topics around which there are many myths, legends, tales and other superstitions among pregnant women. Let's try to figure out some of them, which are real and which are not.
- Myth one: when a new mole appears on a pregnant woman, you should expect a similar birthmark on the baby’s body.
As for newly emerging moles on a pregnant woman’s body, we can absolutely say that similar birthmarks will not appear on the baby. The only trend that can be even slightly tied to this myth is a genetic predisposition to moles. The fact is that birthmarks are often inherited. When a mother has a lot of moles, it is quite possible that her child will have a large number of them. This is not at all dangerous, this phenomenon is quite natural.
- Myth two: about the fateful significance of moles that form during pregnancy.
Of course, almost all folk signs are not supported by scientific facts. Therefore, it is difficult to talk about any “fate” here. It’s another matter if the expectant mother believes in signs and superstitions, then she has the right to decide for herself to what extent such a fact holds true for her.
- Myth three: if during a strong fright the expectant mother grabs some part of the body, then the child will have a birthmark in the same place.
This myth also refers to signs and beliefs, therefore from the point of view of science it is fantasy. The expectant mother is already subject to a lot of stress and reasons to worry, so doctors advise not to pay attention to such nonsense, because believing in such signs can only create many additional difficulties during pregnancy.
Moles during pregnancy are a common phenomenon that is completely natural and should not be feared under any circumstances. The appearance of new moles is natural during pregnancy due to hormonal changes occurring in the body of a pregnant woman. The growth of existing moles, as well as their redness, is a generally not very favorable trend, but you should not be afraid of it; you just need to contact a specialist to establish the cause of the mole during pregnancy, as well as further behavior, handling and care. Removing moles during pregnancy is a last resort; it is practiced in rare cases when a mole is dangerous and threatens the health of the pregnant woman and her baby.