Moles are on the body of every person, regardless of gender and age. More often than not, we do not notice them and do not pay attention to them. A mole is a darker formation than skin, which occurs as a result of improper production of a pigment called melanin. In most cases, moles are not dangerous. You should be wary of those formations that begin to change in size, color and structure. Why does a mole itch? This is a common question.
Causes of itching
Moles are usually dark brown, due to the high content of melanin, which stains the skin in a darker than natural shade. In a normal state, moles do not cause any concern, however, if itching or inconvenience occurs, you should consult a doctor, as this may indicate malignancy of the formation.
Clothing convenience
When moles are scratched on the body, to begin with, attention should be paid to the convenience of worn clothing. Cramped or uncomfortable clothing can cause itching in the area of the nevus, since tissue friction occurs, which causes irritation to the skin. The solution to the problem in this case is the choice of more free and comfortable clothing that suits the figure better. In addition, natural tissues should be preferred, since synthetics can cause excessive sweating, which will also lead to an itch of the birthmark.
If the mole itches, swells or turns red, and also becomes inflamed, peels and increases in size, this may indicate that the cells began to multiply actively. Such a condition can lead to a rapid increase in the birthmark, and subsequently to skin cancer in the form of melanoma.
If moles on the body itch, the doctor should immediately identify the causes.
Hormonal changes. Ultraviolet
Hormonal changes in the body can also cause birthmark pruritus. Taking hormonal drugs, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger this symptom.
Another reason for the appearance and growth of birthmarks can be excessive ultraviolet radiation. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to the sun can cause burns on the skin, which increases the risk of cancer.
Is it dangerous that a mole itches?
Possible complications
If you do not go to the doctor on time and do not conduct a thorough examination of the birthmark, which began to itch and increase in size, serious consequences are possible. A birthmark can become a malignant neoplasm, and treating cancer seems a complex and risky process.
Surgical removal of such an education can lead to various complications. Red, itchy spots can form at the site of the scar, the wound begins to bleed, fester, the body temperature rises against the background of inflammation. With such symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor for the purpose of examination and the appointment of treatment aimed at eliminating the reasons that the mole is itching.
Diagnostics
Any changes in birthmarks require a visit to a dermatologist. This is especially true for the following symptoms:
- An increase in the birthmark in size.
- Itching of not only the mole itself, but also the area around it.
- Inflammation and swelling of the birthmark.
- Peeling without itching.
- After the injury, the mole began to itch and bleed.
If the symptoms listed above are found, you should not touch, comb or scratch a mole, even when it is in an inaccessible place. If the birthmark is damaged or begins to bleed, it must be treated with hydrogen peroxide and consult a specialist. Do not delay with going to the doctor, as this can have irreversible consequences.
It is worth asking a timely question: why are moles on the body itching?
The first signs of a mole degenerating into a malignant formation are itching, redness, darkening, swelling and bleeding. Peeling of a mole or skin around is also an alarming symptom. The dermatologist will prescribe all the tests and procedures necessary for the examination. If malignancy is confirmed, then an oncologist conducts the observation.
Itching after removal
Itching of the mole after removal should not cause concern, as it indicates the healing process. If the itching becomes unbearable, you can gently press a mole with your fingertip, this will relieve the symptom for a while. If the site of the removed mole itches for a long period of time - you must consult a doctor.
A dermatologist first examines the patient and, depending on the results of the tests, may prescribe a dermoscopy. The study is carried out by means of a special device, which is equipped with a special lens, which makes it possible to examine the mole in detail. Dermoscopy also allows you to take detailed pictures of the neoplasm.
She helps the doctor determine the benignity of a mole or diagnose melanoma at the initial stage.
What else do when a mole appears and itches?
Examination and biopsy
If there is a suspicion of cancer, the doctor directs the patient to a biopsy, that is, a small piece of the affected tissue is taken for histological examination. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. There are different types of biopsies:
- Shaving. Used in cases where the risk of developing melanoma is minimal.
- Puncture. It consists in cutting three layers of skin, which makes it possible to conduct a detailed analysis.
- Incisional and excisional involve partial or complete removal of the mole.
Diagnosis of itching in the birthmark and a thorough examination of the neoplasm can identify skin pathologies and avoid serious complications in the form of skin cancer. Inspection of the mole is carried out by the physical method using a magnifying glass. A prerequisite for inspection is adequate lighting. During the examination, the patient's lymph nodes are palpated for enlargement.
Particular attention is paid to such signs as the asymmetry of the growth of a mole, a change in its color, redness, itching, burning and other specific signs of a pathological process. Patients are often interested in why a mole on the neck is itching. The doctor should find out.
Treatment
The most common and popular at the moment is the surgical treatment of moles. It involves local anesthesia and excision of the neoplasm. Cosmetic seams are applied to the cut place. They are removed about a week after the operation. On average, the duration of the mole excision procedure is one hour.
The main disadvantage of surgical removal of a mole is the scar that forms at the site of excision. The advantage of the method is that it allows you to remove the formation of any size and depth of penetration under the skin.
Itching after surgery indicates the healing process of the wound. In no case can you comb or peel off the resulting crust.
Quite often, patients require removal of harmless moles, with no signs of proliferation. This does not make sense, since melanoma is rarely formed in their place. Excision is carried out in cases where the possibility of malignancy is confirmed.
Preventative measures
There are a number of rules, the observance of which can help to avoid serious consequences when changing birthmarks. These recommendations include:
- Refuse to wear tight clothing, especially if the moles are located on the waist and shoulders, that is, in places of strapless and waistband, on the soles and inside of the hips.
- It is necessary to control the dynamics of the growth of moles. The probability of malignancy of large birthmarks is higher.
- After water procedures in rivers, seas, lakes and other bodies of water, it is necessary to thoroughly dry the skin, since drops under the influence of sunlight have the effect of lenses, which increases the risk of burns.
- Sunbathing is recommended until 10 in the morning and after 15 hours.
- Pregnant women should not sunbathe, as the body undergoes serious hormonal changes, and excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause degeneration of the mole.
- When visiting a tanning bed, moles should be covered with special stickers.
- Do not scratch, scratch or touch the moles with foreign objects.
- If there are a lot of moles on the human body, then he needs to regularly undergo a preventive examination by a dermatologist.
It is by no means impossible to ignore such an alarming syndrome as itching in the area of a mole. This may be a sign of degeneration of the birthmark into cancer.
So, when a mole is itching, the causes of this condition can be very serious.