A mole is a benign formation that is present on the body of almost every person. The scientific name for this phenomenon is nevus. If the mole has the correct shape, does not cause discomfort, you can lead a full-fledged lifestyle with it. There is no need to delete. And what if the mole is crusty? What does it mean? Any changes in the nevus are an occasion to consult a dermatologist for a consultation.
Where do moles come from?
Many believe that a person is already born with moles. In fact, this is not so. Nevus is a formation that consists of pigment cells (melanocytes). The more a person is in the sun, the higher the likelihood of moles. An interesting fact is that on the body of an infant up to 6 months there are practically no such formations at all. Only some types of moles can appear on the body from birth.
Nevi can vary in shape and size. Most often, flat masses with a diameter of not more than 2 mm can be seen on the body. Large convex nevi with a diameter of more than 1 cm deserve more attention. And if such a mole is crusty, you should go to the doctor immediately, since the risk of its malignant transformation increases.
More moles can always be seen on the body of fair-skinned people. If there are really many nevi, it is worth abandoning the sunbathing. The fact is that a burn increases the risk of developing abnormal cells. So, if after the beach the mole is covered with a dry crust, an urgent visit to the doctor is necessary.
Mole inflammation
Any changes in the human body can lead to an increase in the number of moles, a change in the shape and size of existing formations. So, a decrease in immunity can also lead to inflammation of the nevi. If the mole is crusted, this does not mean at all that a terrible diagnosis will be made. However, it is recommended that you consult a doctor as soon as possible.
A common seasonal cold can lead to inflammation of the mole. But convex nevi, which are located on the neck or folds, are especially often affected. Such formations are more susceptible to injury than others. And if such a mole is crusted, it is possible that it was damaged.
In addition, nevi can burn out in the sun. Therefore, in the summer, from 12:00 to 16:00 it is generally better not to sunbathe.
Not only the crust will testify to the inflammation of the mole. The area around the neoplasm may turn red. The inflamed area, as a rule, is condensed. And if a bacterial infection enters the mole, pus may appear.
What to do if a mole is inflamed?
Self-medication in such cases is not recommended. If the mole is crusted, only a specialist will prescribe adequate therapy. But first you have to pass a number of tests. The doctor must find out exactly which infectious agent caused the inflammation. If it is bacteria, an antibacterial ointment will be prescribed. Additionally, the area of damage will be treated with an antiseptic. Miramistin, Chlorhexidine solutions are widely used.
If the mole is located in the wrong place and is often injured, the doctor will recommend removing it. Frequent damage to nevi is one of the causes of their malignant degeneration. Popular mole removal methods will be described below.
How to understand that the nevus is reborn?
If the mole is covered with a white crust, this is a dangerous sign. Melanoma is an aggressive malignant tumor on the skin that can rapidly develop. Therefore, everyone should know when to postpone a visit to a dermatologist is impossible.
There is a technique that includes a number of signs suggesting that it was necessary to encounter a malignant formation:
- Asymmetry is the first thing to pay attention to. A healthy mole always has the right shape. If the round formation suddenly began to blur, it is worth worrying. The edges of the mole must be even.
- Bleeding is another dangerous sign that indicates that something is wrong with the mole. If the nevus does not cause discomfort, but blood periodically comes from it, you must make an appointment with an oncologist.
- The color of education also matters. If the mole has darkened and crusted, this is one of the signs of melanoma.
- You will have to pay attention to size. Healthy nevi can also increase, but if the size of the mole changes rapidly, it is worth the alarm.
Mole Removal Methods
If the mole is covered with a crust, but malignant cells were not found in it, most likely, the doctor will recommend removing it. Laser surgery is the most popular technique to date. In this case, a powerful luminous flux acts as an instrument.
The plus is that after removal of the mole, there is practically no scar left. In addition, the likelihood of developing a secondary infection is minimized.
Moles that capture only the upper layers of the epidermis can also be removed using cryodestruction. In fact, such formations are frozen. Flat nevi are removed with a cotton swab, which is pre-wetted in liquid nitrogen. The procedure takes no more than 10 minutes. Within an hour, the patient can go home.
If melanoma was diagnosed, surgery is performed using a scalpel. In this case, the patient may be given general anesthesia. Not only the formation itself is removed, but also healthy skin with a diameter of 5 mm around. Such actions minimize the development of relapse. Additionally, radiation or chemotherapy may be prescribed to the patient.
Mole crusted and fell off
Nevi themselves cannot disappear. Therefore, if the mole has decreased, it is also worth consulting a doctor. As a rule, this phenomenon can occur after an injury. The mole dries out a little, and then its size is restored. However, education requires proper care - it is necessary to treat the damaged area with an antiseptic. Do not forget to make an appointment with a dermatologist in a timely manner.
Prevention
Simple actions will help you protect yourself from dangerous consequences. Regardless of the number of moles on the body, it is worth making a rule to abandon sunbathing from 12:00 to 16:00. Thus, it will be possible not only to maintain health, but also to prolong youth. If there are a large number of moles on the body, direct sunlight should be avoided even in the early morning or after 16:00.
If a mole is often injured, it is worth removing it. To seal the damaged area in no case. The created thermal effect can harm the nevus.
It is worth checking regularly yourself and your loved ones for the appearance of new moles or a change in existing formations. Timely detected pathological formations can be removed without unpleasant consequences.