UNDERSTAND YOUR SKIN
Moles
What are moles?
Moles are one of the most common skin growths. Almost everyone has at least a few, and in some people the number can be considerably higher. In most cases, a mole is a benign skin growth that does not cause any health problems and does not require treatment. However, any mole may undergo changes that are important to monitor.
Moles can vary in size, shape, colour and surface texture. Some are flat and almost imperceptible, whilst others are raised. There are also congenital moles, which are present at birth, as well as those that appear gradually during childhood and adulthood.
It is important to pay attention to moles, not because every one of them is dangerous, but because certain changes can be a sign of skin cancer, including melanoma. Regular monitoring and preventive check-ups with a dermatologist are the most reliable way to detect suspicious changes at an early stage.
Main signs and symptoms
Depending on how the melanocytes are arranged in the skin, moles can be flat or raised. Their colour ranges from light brown to dark brown or almost black, whilst some moles may be pink or a colour similar to that of the skin.
They also vary in size. Some moles are only a few millimetres in size, whilst others may be larger. However, size alone is not sufficient to determine whether a mole is dangerous.
Moles can change over time. For example, some gradually fade or become less raised. This does not automatically mean that the change is abnormal. More important are rapid and unusual changes in shape, colour, borders or size.
Types and patterns
There are various types of naevi, which are classified according to how they appear, their structure and their appearance.
Acquired moles – these appear after birth, most commonly during childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. The number can vary from person to person.
Congenital moles – these are present at birth or appear shortly afterwards. They may be small, but are sometimes considerably larger and require periodic monitoring.
Common melanocytic naevi – these are usually small, with a relatively uniform colour and clear borders. They may be flat or slightly raised.
Atypical naevi – these may be larger, have uneven pigmentation or a more irregular shape. The presence of multiple atypical naevi may be associated with a higher risk of melanoma and warrants more rigorous dermatological monitoring.
It is important to note that the nature of a mole cannot always be definitively determined by its appearance alone. A dermatological examination and dermoscopy provide a significantly more reliable assessment.
Why does it develop?
A mole, medically known as a melanocytic naevus, is a benign growth composed of melanocytes – the cells that produce the pigment melanin.
Causes and risk factors
The development of moles is linked to a combination of genetic factors and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The number and type of moles vary considerably from person to person.
Factors of significance include:
- genetic predisposition;
- the natural process of skin development and ageing;
- exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
- certain individual characteristics of the skin;
- hormonal changes, for example during puberty and pregnancy.
Sun exposure is particularly important in terms of skin cancer prevention. Ultraviolet radiation can contribute to the appearance of new moles and the development of other pigmented lesions.
People with many moles, fair skin, a family history of melanoma or a previous history of melanoma should pay greater attention to preventive check-ups.
Is it a medical condition?
In most cases, a mole is not a medical condition but a benign skin growth. The presence of moles is a normal feature of the skin and does not in itself indicate a health problem.
However, certain types of naevi may be associated with a higher risk of developing melanoma. Melanoma is a malignant disease of the melanocytes, and its early detection is of vital importance.
It is important not to go to extremes. Most moles will not develop into melanoma. At the same time, any new or changing pigmented lesion warrants attention, particularly when it has atypical characteristics.
Everyday care
Moles do not usually require any special daily care. The main aim is to protect the skin from excessive UV exposure and to monitor any changes.
Sun protection is an important part of prevention. It is advisable to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a suitable SPF, particularly during prolonged exposure to the sun. Additional protection is provided by clothing, hats and staying in the shade.
It should not be forgotten that sunbeds also expose the skin to ultraviolet radiation and are associated with an increased risk of skin cancer.
It is good practice to periodically examine your entire skin, including your back, scalp, the area behind your ears, the soles of your feet and other hard-to-see areas. If you have a large number of moles, photographic monitoring may be useful, as it helps to spot changes over time.
Popular home remedies: benefits and limitations
There are no safe home remedies that can reliably remove moles. Attempts to burn, cut out, pierce or treat them with acids, vinegar, herbs or other harsh substances can cause burns, infection, scarring and bleeding.
More importantly, self-removal may destroy part of the growth, preventing it from being properly examined. This is particularly problematic if the lesion is in fact suspicious.
The best home care consists of regular sun protection, avoiding sunbeds, monitoring existing moles and seeking prompt medical advice if any changes occur.
When should you see a doctor?
One of the most important reasons for a dermatological examination is a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new, unusual pigmented lesion.
When self-monitoring, the ABCDE rule can be used:
- A – Asymmetry: one half does not resemble the other.
- B – Border: the borders are irregular, jagged or unclear.
- C – Colour: there is uneven colouring or several different shades.
- D – Diameter: larger size, particularly when combined with other suspicious characteristics.
- E – Evolution: change over time – in size, shape, colour or other characteristics.
Not every mole that meets one of these criteria is melanoma. These are guidelines to help identify lesions that warrant professional assessment.
Consult a dermatologist if a mole:
- starts to bleed without any obvious trauma;
- is itchy or painful for a prolonged period;
- forms a scab or becomes ulcerated;
- changes in size, shape or colour;
- looks different from the other moles on your skin.
If a lesion is suspicious, a dermatologist may carry out a dermatoscopy and, if necessary, recommend surgical removal and a histological examination.
Modern treatment options
Not every mole needs to be removed. When it is benign and causes no problems, it is usually sufficient to monitor it.
Removal may be recommended for medical reasons if the mole has suspicious characteristics, is frequently injured or causes another local problem. In some cases, the patient may wish to have it removed for cosmetic reasons, but this should be discussed with a dermatologist.
In the case of a suspicious mole, the most important method is surgical removal followed by histological examination, where the specialist deems this necessary. Histology allows the tissue to be examined under a microscope to determine its exact nature.
For some clearly benign skin lesions, other removal methods may be used, but laser removal is not suitable for every pigmented lesion. Where melanoma is suspected, the lesion must not be removed without the possibility of an adequate histological examination.
Therefore, an assessment by a dermatologist is required before any cosmetic removal of a mole.
Read the clinical guidance on this concern. Treatment suitability, risks and availability should be discussed during consultation. Find your Skin Line clinic for assessment and personalised advice.