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Why do freckles and small moles appear on the body? Red and pink

The article describes the 5 main reasons that cause moles to appear on a person’s body. You will learn why some of these formations are red and black. You will learn to determine for yourself which moles need to be removed. When you go for a consultation with a dermatologist, you will already have an idea of ​​the diagnostic methods and treatment of such tumors.

Where do moles come from?

The appearance of moles on the body is facilitated by “melanocytes” cells, which are located in the basal layer (adjacent to the dermis) of the epidermis. They produce the pigment responsible for skin color and the ability to get a tan. Typically, melanocytes are distributed evenly in tissues throughout the body, but sometimes they cluster together and produce too much coloring pigment, which then forms moles.

Such neoplasms can appear on people’s skin both at birth and with age. Most often they appear during the first 20 years of a person’s life. Moreover, approximately every 100 babies are born with moles. They can change during life. Gradually increase in size or also gradually disappear.

For reference: Most people have up to 40 moles, but some have up to 600. In old age, such pigmented formations disappear, and instead of them, age spots appear in older people.

Main reasons

The reason for the appearance of moles on the body is not exactly known to science. Scientists believe that it may lie in a slight disruption in the development of embryonic tissue. This happens in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when a malfunction causes intensive division and growth of melanocyte cells (responsible for coloring the skin). They cause abnormal skin pigmentation in certain areas of the fetal body. But there are other assumptions about their appearance.

Influence of genes

It is known that the information embedded in human DNA is passed on from generation to generation. Therefore, scientists associate the appearance of congenital moles on the body with genetics. Pigmented neoplasms inherited by a child may have the same shape and size as moles on his parents or close relatives. Moles on a baby’s body can appear in the same place as on adults. Often the child also inherits the number of moles.


Usually, dysplastic or atypical formations (they grow larger than ordinary moles) are inherited. There can be more than 100 of them on the body. All of them have unclear boundaries and can be flat or protruding. Dysplastic moles are more likely than regular moles to become malignant. The presence of more than 50 such tumors increases the risk of developing melanoma.

UV exposure

Scientists suggest that prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays on the human body (sunlight is no exception) may play a role in the formation of acquired moles. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, increased production of melanin occurs in the skin, as a result of which small dark nodules form on it, from which entire colonies can form.


According to experts, a large number of acquired pigmented formations can trigger the development of skin cancer. Especially this factor applies to those people who have dysplastic moles on their body (they are larger than usual and have irregular shapes).

Note! To prevent the appearance of new moles, as well as to prevent the transformation of existing ones into malignant ones, scientists recommend: avoiding the sun from 10:00 to 16:00 pm, wearing long sleeves and trousers. Be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Hormonal disorders

Hormonal changes in pregnant women, adolescents and people suffering from diabetes mellitus, also contribute to the formation of moles on the body:


Note! Moles formed on the skin of the body under the influence of hormones can disappear as suddenly as they appeared. Therefore, doctors do not associate such neoplasms with oncology, considering them the body’s response to a violation hormonal levels.

Injury

Even with mild trauma to a mole (scratch, tear), melanocytes are activated in the skin. Cells form into groups and begin to intensively produce melanin. The coloring pigment comes to the surface in excess. As a result, the existing tumor increases in size and takes on a new shape.


Radiation

IN medical practice There have been cases when, after undergoing an X-ray examination, moles appeared on patients’ bodies, most often hanging ones. According to experts, radiation promotes intensive grouping and activation of cells (melanocytes), causing them to intensively produce a coloring pigment, from which dark nodules are subsequently formed.

What causes red moles to appear?

Moles can be not only brown, but also red. This happens because they are not always formed only due to the intense activity of melanocytes (cells that produce coloring pigments). If such neoplasms consist of intertwined blood vessels(providing blood to the skin), then red moles (angiomas) appear on the body.


Note! According to the observations of dermatologists, red moles occur in people with autoimmune diseases(red systemic lupus), with poor blood clotting and deficiency of vitamin B in the body (responsible for metabolic processes in the skin).

Red nodules often appear on the skin of children. Doctors explain this by saying that early age circulatory system changes slightly due to the growth of the organism.

In adults, angiomas most often occur after long stay in the sun. Usually red moles are not dangerous; some of them disappear from the surface of the skin as suddenly as they appear.

But if such a tumor does not stop increasing in size and is still itchy, then this is a reason to consult a doctor for advice.

Why do black moles appear?

Some people develop black moles on their bodies. They, like brown nodules, are caused by too intense functioning of the pigment cells of the skin. As a rule, black moles have a uniform color and a regular round shape. Most often they are flat.


Dark moles can appear in children and adults. Only in the first case the cause of their appearance is hormonal disorders, in the second - prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays on the skin. This happens when a person sunbathes at the wrong time (from 10:00 to 16:00).

For reference: Often, it is black moles that provoke the development of melanoma (an aggressive form of skin cancer). Therefore, all dark growths that appear on the skin after 30 years are recommended to be examined by a dermatologist.

Which moles need to be removed and why?

Any modifications that occur with moles (change of color, enlargement, appearance of additional growth) cannot be ignored. After all, some of them can degenerate into a malignant tumor. By seeking advice from a specialist, a person gets a chance to exclude the development of a fatal disease.


First of all, you need to get rid of pigmented tumors that:

  • do not stop increasing in size;
  • constantly itchy and flaky;
  • they hurt and bleed.

You also need to remove those moles that are located on vulnerable areas of the body, i.e. they can be injured. For example, if a protruding tumor is located on the neck, then it is easy to undermine it when taking off or putting on clothes. A person can cut off a mole under the arm when shaving.

In this video, a dermatologist will tell you how to distinguish an ordinary mole from malignant formation. From the video you will learn what to do if a mole begins to peel, become wet, become inflamed or itch.

Diagnostics

Today in medicine they use digital diagnostic equipment (epiluminescent videodermatoscopy), with which an area of ​​skin with a suspicious pigmented tumor can be magnified 200 times.


As a result, doctors are able to obtain the following information about his current condition:

  • Determine what elements the mole consists of (melanocyte cell pigment, blood vessels, connective tissue).
  • Analyze the density of the neoplasm.
  • Determine the tendency to peripheral growth (the possibility of the appearance of new layers).
  • Assess the likelihood of tumor invasion (proliferation of cancer cells).

During the examination, the first image is entered into the computer and the condition of the mole and skin is assessed. Then, after a certain period of time, the diagnostic session is repeated and a second picture is taken. The results are compared. If there are changes for the worse, then the doctor prescribes treatment.

Today, a mole of any size and shape can be painlessly and permanently removed using the following methods:

  • Surgical excision- characterized as the most proven method with no contraindications. Allows you to get rid of large tumors without relapses (without reappearance growth), since not only the pigmented area is excised, but also some normal tissue surrounding it.
  • Laser technique- the mole is removed layer by layer within 10 minutes. If the tumor is large, then the patient is given an anesthetic injection. There are no scars or scars left at the operation site, but only slight redness, which disappears after 3-5 days.
  • Cryotherapy- the procedure involves freezing the mole with liquid nitrogen, as a result of which its tissue is destroyed and easily removed.


Note! Remove moles folk remedies doctors do not recommend it. The reason for this is their predisposition to malignancy. There is also no need to address this problem to beauty salons, where services are often provided by persons without medical education.

Question answer

At what age is it best to get rid of moles?

This can be done at any age. The exception is small children; in this case, the operation is performed only on the recommendation of a doctor, for example, when the tumor is constantly exposed to injury.

What to do if a mole is damaged?

  1. Stop the bleeding with a tampon and hydrogen peroxide.
  2. Apply a dry bandage folded in several layers to the mole and hold for 5-10 minutes.
  3. If it so happens that a mole comes off, then it needs to be wrapped in a bandage soaked in sodium chloride (sold in every pharmacy) and taken to histological analysis, with the help of which specialists will determine whether the neoplasm is malignant.

Can you pluck hairs on moles?

It is better not to pluck, but to cut, so as not to injure the neoplasm from the inside and thereby not provoke its growth.

Why do some people die after mole removal?

This happens when a patient has a melanoma removed under the guise of an ordinary mole ( malignancy). This is due to incorrect diagnosis of the tumor. Therefore, in order to solve such problems, you should not contact dubious clinics.

Is it possible to cover a mole with a plaster to prevent it from being injured or exposed to direct sunlight?

Firstly, when covering any new growth with a plaster, a thermal effect is created, which is dangerous for the mole. When exposed to extreme heat, it may begin to grow. Secondly, by removing the patch, you may inadvertently undermine the tumor.

What to remember:

  1. Periodically examine your moles for any signs of change (increase in size, change in color), if positive result Contact your doctor immediately.
  2. Avoid sunbathing between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. In this case, also, do not rely on sunscreens, they will not help. Such products only save from burns, but are not able to protect against the development of skin cancer.
  3. In summer, wear light and loose clothing, which will help prevent injury to moles.
  4. Avoid the sun if you have large, irregular shape formations, since there is a high risk of their malignancy.
  5. Do not try to get rid of dark nodules on the body using folk remedies. After all, if the neoplasm is malignant, it will lead to a serious complication, such as skin cancer.

Moles are common pigment formations on the body, capable of changing shape and size. A person whose skin is dotted with numerous nevi is predisposed to cancer. Therefore, owners of a large number of moles are recommended to sunbathe moderately and carefully, and periodically be examined by a dermatologist.

Article outline:


Reasons for the abundant appearance of moles

The reasons why many moles appear on the body can be a variety of factors: and internal pathologies, and external stimuli.

Red moles are not capable of turning into melanoma, so you should not worry if they appear on the skin. The following factors cause the formation of red nevi:

Why do hanging moles appear?

Hanging moles are a consequence of infection of the body with papillomavirus. Skin formations on a thin stalk are called papillomas. These nevi are easily damaged by awkward movements and touches, so it is better to get rid of them in advance.

After removal of the papilloma, the doctor prescribes to the patient drug therapy aimed at destroying the virus. In some cases hanging moles appear not because of papillomavirus, but because of other factors:

  • hormonal fluctuations during puberty or after childbirth;
  • ultraviolet radiation;
  • hereditary predisposition.

Reasons for the formation of moles during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a condition in which all the organs and systems of a woman work in an enhanced mode. Hormones that control all reactions in the body are synthesized endocrine glands V large quantities. Due to hormonal changes, new birthmarks appear. In most cases, they disappear after the baby is born.

Sometimes pregnant women develop hanging moles on their necks, and there is nothing to worry about. Also, red spots may appear in the lower abdomen due to stretch marks and impaired functioning of blood vessels. But if the pigment formations become inflamed, swollen, begin to burn and itch, then the pregnant woman should definitely consult a doctor.

Why are moles dangerous?

A person with more than 40 nevi on his body is predisposed to melanoma. Such people need to constantly monitor the condition of skin formations and periodically be examined by an oncologist or dermatologist.

A large number of moles does not mean that cancer will definitely happen. A malignant tumor can appear in both a person strewn with nevi and a person with single pigmented formations. Moles that are not inflamed, not itchy, do not change shape or color, and do not secrete fluid are not dangerous, even if there are many of them.

You should especially carefully examine the areas of the body that are most abundantly dotted with nevi. Among the many small moles, it is not easy to notice the one that degenerates into a malignant tumor.

Moles that have an unfortunate location are dangerous: on the palms, feet, elbows, face. Such skin formations are often chafed and injured. And melanoma can develop from an injured mole.

Signs of the development of a malignant tumor

There are six signs that a mole has turned into a malignant tumor.

How to get rid of the problem?

What to do if there is a suspicion that a mole has turned into a malignant tumor? In this situation, you must immediately go to a dermatologist or oncologist. Medical specialist examines a suspicious nevus, prescribes tests, based on the results of which he undertakes further actions. If oncology is confirmed, the mole will have to be removed.

It is also recommended to remove birthmarks located on unfavorable areas of the body: palms, feet, neck, fingers, face. It’s better to get rid of them in advance than to accidentally injure them later. After surgery, the patient must adhere to the following instructions:

  • regularly examine your skin, monitor the condition of nevi;
  • wear comfortable clothes made from natural fabrics;
  • use soft washcloths and bath sponges;
  • avoid long stay under direct sunlight;
  • V sunny days Apply sunscreen to your body.

Preventive measures

In the vast majority of cases, the formation of moles is due to hereditary predisposition. Therefore, it is impossible to prevent the appearance of nevi and limit their number.

However, it is possible to prevent the development of moles provoked by exposure to external factors. To prevent nevi from appearing in large numbers, you must follow the following measures prevention:

Is it possible for people with a lot of moles on their bodies to sunbathe?

Tanning is very popular today, and many fashionistas go to solariums as if they were going to work. But is it possible for people with fair skin with many moles to sunbathe? You can sunbathe, but at a certain time of day, when Sun rays have a non-aggressive effect on the skin: before 10 – 11 am and after 16 – 18 pm.

IN daytime hours sunbathing is strictly prohibited, as intense ultraviolet radiation negatively affects the condition skin, provoke increased melanin synthesis.

As a result, a large number of moles appear on the skin, which can degenerate into melanoma. Also, when visiting the beach, be sure to use sunscreen.

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An important process: how a nevus appears

The process of formation of the human body is very interesting; this includes the appearance of new moles on the body. The process is very simple:

  1. Skin cells accumulate pigment
  2. Under the influence of melanin, a speck is formed on these cells,
  3. Over time, the pigmented spot acquires its shape, size, color and structure.

The first birthmarks appear when the child reaches one or two years of age, although there may be exceptions. There is nothing wrong with the fact that you have very few nevi, while others are practically covered with them. There is a belief that the owner of many moles - happy man, but whether this is true can only be guessed at.

Nevi are benign tumors skin cells that are at risk of becoming cancerous. But not every mole is dangerous, harmful and scary. It is recommended to remove only those moles that:

  1. cause inconvenience and discomfort,
  2. have a high risk of developing into melanoma due to genetic reasons and
  3. not protected, i.e. when the nevus is often injured or located in an unsafe place.

There are also moles in newborns, but this can be noticed extremely rarely. Such nevi are malformations of the skin, but also have a benign basis. These spots are usually called birthmarks and they grow as the child grows; perhaps, this is the only pigmented formation that does not cause concern as it grows.

Should you beware of the appearance of new nevi?

The appearance of new nevi is promoted by melanin, which is directly responsible for skin pigmentation. But the cause is most often identified by hormonal changes in the body, which is why new moles appear on the body when:

  • you pass teenage years, i.e. you are experiencing puberty;
  • The woman is in a “position”, i.e. pregnant;
  • There is a disease of the endocrine system.

All these reasons are directly and inextricably linked with hormonal changes in organism. But you must realize that nevi are benign formations, which only have the risk of becoming dangerous. Is not malignant tumor, which has frozen and does not multiply throughout the body, in this case pigmented spots should be feared.

However, this does not mean that if a new mole appears, you can forget about it and let its development take its course. There are some mole safety rules you need to keep in mind:

  1. always check moles with a doctor, an oncologist, a dermatologist, and Elena Vladimirovna Salyamkina, a surgeon, will help you;
  2. avoid the sun and solarium, ultraviolet rays irradiate the skin and are the most aggressive factor in the degeneration of a nevus into a malignant tumor;
  3. watch your hormonal levels and health in general;
  4. pay attention to any changes in nevi (sharp growth, asymmetry, pigmentation, structure, color, halo, discharge from the spot, pain and much more).

How to remove birthmarks

Some birthmarks do not interfere and do not cause problems or discomfort in life, but there are also those that should be removed as early as possible. This includes moles on the palms, feet, hands, neck and face. It is also worth highlighting the fact that to remove new mole can be done completely painlessly. However, some methods of ridding the body of nevi leave no traces, while others may leave a memory in the form of a scar or scar.

If you don’t want to remember where your pigmented spot was, then it’s better for you to use laser excision of the nevus. This method is somewhat more expensive than the classic one, but the risk of a scar or scar after surgery is minimal. Laser technologies allow you to perform the operation:

  • inexpensive,
  • fast,
  • light,
  • bloodless,
  • painless.

In terms of quality, only classical surgical excision of a birthmark can compete with the described method. Many patients are afraid of this method, but in vain, despite its “outdatedness” - this is a reliable and high-quality option. Sometimes a pigmented stain can only be removed with the help of surgical scalpel. Such cases include situations where you:

  • Large birthmarks
  • Cancerous moles,
  • Difficult to reach nevi.

Besides, surgical intervention has the following advantages:

  1. Minimum contraindications
  2. Painlessness (pain relief is performed),
  3. Possibility of collecting material for histology,
  4. Cost (the cheapest method of mole removal),
  5. Safety.

Is it possible to rely on traditional methods for treating moles?

Many people may be frightened by the appearance of new moles, but not many are in a hurry to see a doctor, but in vain. What are boys and girls trying to do (by the way, there are many more girls with such experiments than boys) to get rid of the nevus for good or make it invisible, i.e. lighten?

A very popular method that came from “healers” and others knowledgeable people- These are celandine lotions that need to be used to cauterize the nevus several times a day. This option will help get rid of a wart, but not a mole. Self-medication can cause a reverse reaction in the body - the cells will begin to turn into cancerous tumor, and you won’t even have time to notice it. Many end up in hospitals after a trip to remove or reveal a nevus folk recipes, about which people write so persistently on forums.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW! Traditional methods treatment has never ended well for anyone. IN best case scenario– nothing will happen to the skin and nevus; at worst, you will have to start treatment for the wrong approach to ridding the skin of tumors.

If you want to know whether you can rely on the folk “secret” of removing a nevus to help, then there is only one answer - no, it’s impossible. Those who are simply too lazy to do so do not go to doctors. Surgeons in city clinics have long ceased to be in demand due to their overload. It's easier to contact to a good surgeon to remove a mole in private clinic, where you will be treated with respect and all your wishes will be satisfied. But it is important to choose the right clinic and doctor: a cosmetology office and a beauty salon are not a surgeon’s office where you need to go for help. Before deciding to remove a nevus, you should visit an oncologist, who will give permission for the operation or prescribe a full complex treatment together with excision of the nevus.

How to overcome melanoma formed in a nevus

Both new moles and old ones can develop into melanoma. To prevent this from happening, remember about prevention - protection from ultraviolet radiation by any means:

  • When outside, try to be in the shade, even if you are not on the beach,
  • Avoid exposure to the sun at the most dangerous watch", i.e. from 9-10 am to 16-17 pm,
  • Even on the beach, cover your body from the sun with clothes, at least a pareo or a towel,
  • Use sunscreen before leaving home
  • Remember to always wear hats and sunglasses,
  • You should not replace the sun with a solarium - no less harm,
  • Monitor changes in nevi and consult a doctor as soon as possible.

What is it in external signs you can independently distinguish a simple and safe mole from malignant melanoma? To do this, it is enough to conduct a self-examination - look at the moles that cause you suspicion:

  • Nevus color. Pay attention to the color of your spot - it should be uniform over the entire area of ​​the nevus, but if the color differs within the territory of one mole, melanoma should be suspected;
  • Nevus growth. There is nothing to worry about if the pigmented spot grows a little, but if the growth has become noticeable and rapid, it is very unpleasant and significant indicator tumors;
  • Asymmetry. To do this, divide the mole in half visually and carefully compare them, they should be exactly the same. This should also include a change in the boundaries, which have become not only asymmetrical, but also lumpy or blurred.

If melanoma is found in you, the stage of its development will first be determined; there are 4 of them in total. Treatment of melanoma will directly depend on the stage:

  1. At the initial, stage 1, the tumor is simply excised;
  2. In stage 2, a sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed. If it turns out to be affected by a tumor, then they are removed completely. Treatment may be given to reduce the risk of cancer coming back;
  3. At stage 3, the tumor and nearby The lymph nodes. Immunotherapy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be prescribed;
  4. The most severe is stage 4, it is impossible to get rid of it completely, but you can excise the tumor, nodes, prescribe chemotherapy, radiation therapy. However, it is rare to live with such a disease for a long time, as a rule, only a few years after the end of treatment.

In romantic stories, the lost child was recognized by his “family” birthmark. Indeed, these spots on the skin can be inherited. But more often they emphasize our individuality. It’s not in vain that women attract attention to themselves by gluing a fly to their face. But although science has explained why moles appear on the body, attitudes towards them range from alarming to carefree.

What is a mole

Many people believe that marks on the skin appear at the time of birth. This is only true for birthmarks. Moles appear later, although at 1 year of life the first small dots may already appear. However, it can be assumed that they are simply not visible on the baby’s body.

Habitual brown nevi (as moles are called in medicine) are a cluster of melanocytes. Despite the somewhat scary name, these are just specialized skin cells that produce melanin. Thanks to him we get a tan. And just as a tan can be beautiful or dull, the color of moles depends on the amount of pigment: from light brown to dark purple. Red moles stand apart - the growth of subcutaneous capillaries.

Causes of moles

In China, each mole was considered the output of an energy channel. In the European Middle Ages, a dark mark was considered a mark of the devil and could bring its owner into trouble. In fact, there are several explanations for what causes moles, and all of them are far from mystical.

Heredity

It is genetic reasons that determine the tendency to form moles on the body. The more parents had, the more likely it is that their children will have the same number. Very often from generation to generation a flat spot or raised mole occurs in the same place: on the neck, arms or stomach. But looking at grandparents is not always worth it, for the following reason.