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Moles
People call them "beauty spots" if they occur at the right place and are of the right size. But medically, they are clusters of pigmented cells that appear as small dark spots (sometimes hairy) on face, arms legs, infact anywhere on your body. Moles usually appear in the earlier part of one's life - some disappear and some remain through out life. It is a very common skin disorder, but at times may be cancerous also.
Possible causes -
No exact cause is known. Some possible causative factors are -
- Hormonal changes during adolescence, pregnancy or menopause.
- Use of birth control pills.
- Hereditary or you might be born with moles on your body.
- Excessive exposure to sunlight. Moles tend to appear on those areas of the skin that catch the most sunlight and thus harmful ultraviolet rays.
Risk factors:
Most moles are harmless and don't require special care, but at times they may develop symptoms of malignant melanoma which is the most common type of skin cancer and usually fatal.
So what are the symptoms of malignancy?
- Be careful of moles that appear after the age of 20.
- Get moles checked if they bleed, itch; appear scaly or become painful.
- Look for moles with asymmetrical shapes.
- If the border of a mole is blurred or rugged it might be of concern.
- Check out if the colour of a mole is not the same throughout.
- The diameter of a mole is greater than 1/4th inch.
- A mole appears elevated.
All the above are symptoms of melanoma. Men- just look out on your back and all women - check your lower legs and abdomen - these are the most risky areas.
Treatment -
- A general guideline is a complete skin check up every 3 years for people between the age of 20-39 and an annual check up for all above 40. If melanoma detected, the entire mole and a small amount of the peripheral normal tissue needs to be removed through surgery.
- Treatment of benign moles is not necessary. However, for cosmetic purposes, you can get it removed by shaving or punch biopsy - all to be done by a professional dermatologist and not at home.
Prevention-
Catch them early before they turn cancerous. Look for the location and pattern of the moles. Areas such as scalp, armpits, genital areas, skin underneath breasts (in case of women ) should not be neglected.
Protective measures include -
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight and avoid getting sunburn. Apply sunscreen (SPF of atleast 15 ) on exposed skin.
- Wear protective clothing when out to avoid damaging UV rays.
- If there is a family history of malignant melanoma, be careful about changing moles.
Moles actually make no sense and do not serve any purpose on the body. There really isn't any way you can prevent getting a mole. If you find them unattractive, make-up is the best option to conceal them. Remember to see a doctor if a mole doesn't heal overtime.