A birthmark is a large accumulation of pigment cells. Visually, it looks like a dark speck or nodule. Another name for the mole is nevus. By size, they are divided into small (up to 0.15 cm), medium (up to 1 cm) and large (more than 1 cm). The color of the nevi differs from each other and are from light brown to almost black.
Factors causing moles
Nevuses often appear on the body of a child older than 1 year. They may vary slightly in color and be invisible to parents. Their number is negligible. Adults pay attention if the baby has a lot of moles on the body, but usually this happens during puberty. In adolescents, old pale moles enhance color and become more noticeable.
Changes in the shape and color of the mole occur during puberty and pregnancy. The instability of the hormonal background provokes the appearance of new nevi.
The color of the moles depends on the amount of melanin that was present in the body during their formation. Nevus is a special pigmentation on the skin. It is believed that if there are many moles on the body, then they have roots. This is actually not the case.
Congenital malformations of the skin increase the risk of nevus. The vast majority of moles are not malignant. But under certain factors, some of them can develop into malignant and lead to serious health problems.
Hormonal causes of moles
If there are many moles on the body, then the reasons may be hidden in a hormonal disorder. Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, puberty, or diabetes mellitus contribute to the appearance of nevi.
In children with active growth and during the transition period, changes in biochemical growth factors occur. One reason is stem cell activity. With growth, the area of the skin increases, the pituitary gland produces melacortin, a hormone responsible for the synthesis of melanin, the production of corticosteroids in the adrenal cortex and metabolism.
Hormonal changes are not easy to stop, and in some cases it is impossible. The appearance of adolescent moles is the norm, provided that uniform spots of the regular form appear.
You should monitor the hormonal background if there are many moles on the body. Reasons causing an increase in the number of nevi:
- teenage years;
- pregnancy, after childbirth, after abortion, during menopause in women;
- in men with testicular disease, with a malfunction in the pituitary gland, with increased production of the hormone estrogen;
- severe stress;
- after infectious diseases;
- with skin diseases;
- with age, the number of nevi increases, this is due to hormonal changes and aging of the body.
Ultraviolet - the cause of moles
The production of melanin under the influence of ultraviolet rays increases, due to this a tan appears. Tyrosine is activated in melanocytes, which helps protect the skin from radiation.
Excessive passion for tanning or tanning leads to an increase in the number of nevi. If there are many moles on the body, then excessive sun exposure is to blame. The biomechanics of the interaction between the skin and the sun's rays have not been fully studied, but indirect evidence is the rare formation of nevi on the buttocks.
Moles that increase in size should not be exposed to sunlight. Do not go out in the sun from 11 to 16 hours of the day. After tanning, many moles appear on the body. The appearance of nevi scares fans of sunbathing.
To reduce the likelihood of new moles, light tissues should be preferred in the summer. Excessive irradiation can provoke the appearance of cancerous moles, which will rapidly increase in size.
Genetic predisposition and aging
In older people, the question often arises as to why many moles appeared on the body. Indeed, observations show that the older the person, the greater the number of nevi present throughout the skin. One of the reasons is the gradual appearance of moles throughout life, and by age a large amount is formed, which becomes noticeable.
Another reason that with age becomes a lot of moles on the body is thinner skin than before. Because of this, deep nevi become more noticeable, brighter, change color to darker.
Hormonal age-related changes also provoke an increase in the size and number of moles.
A greater predisposition to age spots is those people whose immediate relatives have a large number of nevi. Presumably, this depends on race, color, and nationality, as well as a genetic code that increases the risk of developing nevi on the body.
Heredity is not a guarantee that moles will begin to appear in large numbers. Without provoking factors, they do not develop.
Red moles
A person begins to worry when red nevi appear, especially if there are many moles on the body. The reasons for the appearance of red dots are not completely clear, but the study of this phenomenon continues. Many theories have been put forward, but not one has become an official part of evidence-based medicine.
One of the reasons for the appearance of red nevi is a malfunction of the large intestine or pancreas. But for now, this remains an assumption.
Another reason for the appearance of red dots is a violation of lipid metabolism and the development of skin pathology.
In any case, if there are many moles on the body in a short time, then you should consult a doctor. Based on the results of analyzes and a visual examination, the specialist will determine whether they should be disposed of and whether they pose a danger to the body.
Moles on the legs
Hanging moles are a growth on the skin that has a tuberous hat. Color can vary from flesh to dark brown. Sometimes they have a completely invisible leg or resemble a papilla.
A benign mole on the leg does not pose a threat to a person, but not careful handling of it leads to negative consequences.
Regardless of the color of the nevus, it is based on the pigment melanin, which forms the final color of the mole. The reason for this is a high accumulation of pigment in any zone.
Leg moles can cause the following problems:
- aesthetic discomfort when appearing on the face or neck;
- the risk of developing into a malignant neoplasm;
- unpleasant sensations when rubbing with clothes or accidentally grazing;
- risk of injury, which can lead to the development of cancer, infection and inflammation.
Moles on the stalk are not dangerous, but the risk of degeneration into a malignant neoplasm is slightly higher in them than in flat ones.
Why are moles dangerous?
Do not panic if there are a lot of moles on the body. The reasons for this should be determined by the doctor. Most nevi are absolutely not dangerous, but it is important to know the symptoms of moles, which can become a threat to human health:
- Atypical. They can be recognized immediately when they appear, they have a fuzzy shape, uneven color and their size is more than 0.5 mm. Often they are congenital, can be inherited and require supervision by a specialist.
Hutchinson's melanotic freckles form as a flat spot containing two or more shades. Occur at the age of 50 years and older and are formed on the face. Their size increases, the color becomes darker, with time they are converted to malignant.
- Skin neoplasms of unknown etiology are formed suddenly, a person sees that many moles appeared on the body, the reasons for which are not clear. In 60% of cases, the phenomenon precedes the development of melanoma.
What should I look for and consult a doctor:
- discoloration of a mole, especially in the middle;
- increase in thickness or height;
- the appearance of pain or blood;
- redness, swelling;
- itching or burning in the area of the nevus;
- division into several smaller moles, falling pieces.
Moles in children
The reasons for the appearance of moles are still unknown. As a rule, a baby is born with clean skin, but there are exceptions. Up to 6 months, several subtle spots may appear, which parents do not pay attention to. The older the child becomes, the more nevi develop. Long exposure to the sun contributes to their increase.
It scares parents that a teenager has many moles on his body, but this is due to hormonal changes and rarely carries a threat.
Moles are divided into vascular and ordinary. Vascular can have a color from pink to bright red, be flat or convex. Parents should pay attention to the size of the nevus. If it is more than 1 cm or growing, then you should consult a doctor for advice.
If the child has plucked or combed the mole, then a clean dressing should be applied and a doctor should be consulted to eliminate the risk of infection and check the mole for good quality.
Birthmarks during pregnancy
During pregnancy, many moles may appear on the body. The causes of the appearance are not always clear, but they are associated with hormonal changes in the body. Neoplasms appear more often in the second trimester.
The appearance of moles indicates that the hormonal system is healthy and can cope with stress. In some cases, nevi disappear during the bearing of the child. Moles often disappear after childbirth, but not always.
A darkened nevus during pregnancy indicates an increase in the amount of melanin, which darkens the line on the abdomen and paranasal areoles. A pregnant woman should be alert for moles that have changed in size, lost a clear outline, or become bicolor.
Signs of many moles on the body
People have always been interested in strange spots on the body. It is believed that the appearance of a nevus indicates an event in a person’s life:
- on the right eyebrow - early marriage;
- on the left eyebrow - an unhappy marriage;
- appears on the left cheek in passionate natures;
- success promises on the right cheek;
- a mole on the chest in women speaks of kindness;
- a birthmark on a man’s stomach is an unshakable character;
- on the shoulder - a calm life;
- on the right hand indicates the mistress, the toiler;
- on the left - a lazy person;
- on the ankle betrays an energetic person;
- hard work and self-confidence on the shins.
When to see a doctor
The appearance of a large number of moles is not a cause for concern. You should observe them and if you increase the size, consult a doctor.
There are ways to reduce the spread of nevus. To do this, use tar soap, creams or ointments. Vitamin complexes contribute to a decrease in the number of moles.
Particular attention should be paid to the work of the endocrine system. Moles require regular monitoring. If itching, hardening or swelling is found, specialist advice is required. When these symptoms appear, the risk of developing melanoma increases.
In no case should you remove the moles yourself, because this can lead to infection. Examination by a dermatologist will determine the degree of risk and the need for removal.