Moles (nevi) are spots that appear on the skin and cause a change in pigmentation. Some spots are present from the very moment of our birth, but can also form during life, when any changes occur in the body, in particular, during the period of gestation. What types of moles on the hands and other parts of the body can appear, how dangerous they are - this is our article.
Congenital and acquired nevi
Moles are divided into two large groups: congenital and acquired. The first group has a gradation and in size:
- Small. Size reaches no more than one and a half centimeters.
- Medium . These include moles that do not reach a diameter of 10 centimeters.
- Large. The diameter of the formation in this case exceeds 10 centimeters.
- Giant - can occupy large areas of the skin. Most often, the entire anatomical region is covered, as a rule, this is a large part of the chest, lower leg, face and others.
Moles (especially large sizes) always attract the eye. But sometimes a person can find almost colorless nevi. Such moles of skin color are an accumulation of pigment cells, and if you observe, you will notice that they will also darken over time.
Small moles bring little trouble. But giant nevi quite often (almost 50%) are reborn, causing cancer.
Acquired moles
The reason for their appearance is considered the genetic characteristics of the human body. They are formed in childhood. Indeed, it is during this period that the most intense movement of pigment cells occurs, which "rise" from the deep layers to the surface of the skin.
Here you can distinguish the following types of nevi:
- Epidermal. They appear as a result of accumulation of melanocytes in the upper epidermal layer of the skin.
- Intradermal. The cells responsible for the production of melanin, in this case, accumulate in the dermis.
- Borderline. Such moles are located on the border of the dermis and epidermis.
Types of Moles
Get acquainted with the varieties of nevus. Doctors distinguish:
- Lentigo Such a mole on the skin is a uniformly stained spot. Color can vary from brown with a brownish tint to completely black.
- E pidermo-dermal moles. Visually, these are flat spots, but in some cases they can slightly protrude above the surface of the skin. Coloring is also unstable and can change, reaching almost a black shade. Size range: from a tiny point to a centimeter in diameter. They are localized mainly on the palms, soles of the feet, as well as in the genital area.
- Complex moles . More often than other nevi, they are dark in color and significantly protrude above the skin.
- Intradermal nevi . Always protrude above the skin. Color can vary, from flesh to black. The surface of the intradermal nevi can be absolutely smooth or covered with hairs.
- Sutton Moles . Such moles appear and disappear for no reason. The main difference is the presence of an unpainted skin ring around them. Very rarely degenerate into cancers.
- Dysplastic moles. Nevi have an irregular shape with blurry borders. Be sure to rise slightly above the surface of the skin. Most often they have a red pigment color, but other colors are not excluded. Moles of this type can be inherited. They are distinguished from classical birthmarks by their size (they are always larger) and localization places. Dysplastic nevi can most often be found in areas always covered by clothing (buttocks, chest). And if ordinary moles can form during puberty, then dysplastic appear even after 35 years.
- Blue moles. Always elevated formations, which in some cases have a hemispherical shape. Color varies from light blue to blue, it is very rare to observe a brown tint. Such moles always have clear boundaries. The size of the nevus can reach 2 centimeters. Especially found on the skin of the face, limbs and buttocks.
- Large pigmented nevus . It is most often congenital and increases as the child grows older. Nevi can capture quite large areas on the surface of the skin. Primary colors are gray, black and brown.
Gradation of moles depending on shape and location
Depending on these parameters, moles are divided into:
- Vascular (hemangiomas). Such a mole on the skin can have different sizes and blurry outlines. If we talk about color, then everything depends on the vessel, which became its basis.
- Non-vascular. Moles can look like stalked or warty outgrowths of various shades. There are both individual specimens and group clusters in the form of plaques.
Classification according to the danger of rebirth
Moles are further divided into:
- melanoma-dangerous, which due to trauma, cosmetic procedures or biopsy can cause skin cancer;
- melanomoneous.
Skin cancer: moles – provocateurs
These include the following types of nevi:
- blue;
- Ota mole;
- giant pigmented nevus;
- Dubreuil melanosis.
The blue and giant nevus are already familiar to you. Let's take a look at the newbies.
Nevus Ota is a large formation localized exclusively on the skin of the face. It can be placed on any part, creating the effect of dirty skin. Color varies from brown to blue-gray.
Dubreuil melanosis is a precancerous condition of the skin. Visually - a single pigmented spot with irregular edges. At first it is light brown; as it worsens, it changes color to darker, simultaneously increasing in size.
Differences between normal and degenerate nevus
It is almost impossible to do it yourself. But non-hazardous moles are tiny specks with clear boundaries. They practically do not protrude above the surface of the skin and always have a uniform structure. If we talk about color, then it can be completely black moles on the skin. There is nothing dangerous about this.
The following are dangerous symptoms, having noticed which, it is urgent to get the advice of a specialist doctor.
Signs of the beginning of rebirth:
- asymmetry in size;
- the appearance of blurring edges;
- discoloration of the nevus, in particular the formation of strips of a different color on the surface of the mole;
- increase in size;
- bleeding.
Skin cancer (moles are most often the cause) can be treated well at an early stage. Just be a little more careful.
Red moles (angiomas)
Red moles appeared on the skin. What was the reason and how do they differ from the usual dark spots?
The red mole on the skin speaks of the existing problem of the vessels responsible for the supply of blood to the skin itself. If we examine the spot in more detail, it turns out that it consists of blood vessels that are very intertwined. Nevus can form almost anywhere.
Most often, red neoplasms are found on the skin of babies. This is due to the fact that the circulatory system of the child "grows" with it, undergoing changes. In an adult, the formation of red nevi is caused by excessive exposure to the sun. And it is far from uncommon that such a mole is located under the skin, since such nevi do not have a specific location either on the body or in the layers of the human skin.
The cause of angiomas in adults is hormonal changes. It is believed that such neoplasms indicate an existing pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.
To worry about tumors of this type is not worth it. Very often they disappear on their own. The only reason for excitement is the rapid growth of a mole.
White nevi
White moles on the skin are the result of poor functioning of the cells responsible for the production of melanin. They can vary in size and shape. Found in a newborn baby, a white mole should not become a cause of concern. But here it appeared on the body of an adult, it indicates the possible development of a rather complex disease - vitiligo. The disease is not dangerous, but brings a feeling of dissatisfaction with their appearance. The disease manifests itself in the form of spots that do not have the usual pigmentation, protruding on the surface of the skin.
Why will the skin around the mole change color?
The reddened skin around the mole is an alarming bell, but before you panic, you should understand the cause of inflammation. It can be:
- Skin injury. A mole was accidentally hooked, for example with a washcloth during a shower. The result is inflammation.
- The burn is ultraviolet. You can get it while visiting the solarium. A burn appears a few days later. In the case when the mole then began to change shape and size, a doctor's consultation is necessary. If you have many moles on your skin, then it is best to refuse to visit a tanning bed.
- Causeless inflammation. It may be accompanied by pain, but sometimes this symptom is absent. A consultation with a dermatologist is required.
A change in skin color around the mole indicates the onset of rebirth.
Moles on the hands
Types of moles on the hands found in people do not differ from the types previously considered. It can also be vascular nevi (angiomas), moles growing on the legs, age spots , etc.
Self removal
Removing moles is an optional procedure if they are not dangerous. But a mole on the scalp must be removed necessarily, especially if it is located directly under the hair. Otherwise, the comb will constantly injure her, and in the future this can lead to unpleasant consequences.
It is strictly forbidden to remove moles on their own, as you can get either blood poisoning or severe bleeding, which is quite difficult to stop.
How is removal
If you decide to get rid of the neoplasm, then choose medical centers with good recommendations and customer reviews. Going to the nearest beauty salon to solve the problem is not worth it, because only in the clinics of the patient they are prepared according to all the rules. And in case of an unforeseen situation, he will be provided with qualified assistance.
Methodologies
Modern medicine offers many different ways to remove moles. The choice of method depends on the type of mole. The doctor will choose the most suitable option for each situation.
Distinguish:
- thermal method;
- chemical exposure;
- surgical intervention.
The disadvantage of the thermal method for removing neoplasms is the scars remaining on the surface of the skin. Therefore, if the nevus is located on the open part of the body, then the option with electrocoagulation will not work.
Laser removal of moles will help to avoid skin disfiguration. The most painless way to get rid of it is to freeze the mole with liquid nitrogen.
Surgery is used only in complex cases. This is an extreme measure, as it has numerous contraindications and side effects.
Postoperative care
After the procedure is completed, a crust forms on the surface of the skin. It is necessary to ensure that water, gels and creams do not fall on its surface. In the first five days this is especially important, since it is during this period that a new layer of skin forms under the sore. And if you remove the crust earlier, then a scar may remain.