Is it dangerous if a mole hurts
A mole, or birthmark, is called a nevus in medical terminology. In Latin, this is a "mole". The appearance of nevi is due to a genetic predisposition. When a birthmark appears much later, at an older age, this does not mean that the nevus belongs to acquired skin defects.
As a rule, people do not pay attention to birthmarks until the birthmark hurts or manifests itself as severe itching. Normally, age spots differ from the skin only in color and nothing more. Hair also grows on nevi, there are sebaceous and sweat glands. The color change is due to the presence of a special pigment - melanin. The color of the skin, eyes and hair depends on its content in the body. The more melanin, the darker the skin. When the metabolism of the precursor of melanin, the amino acid tyrosine, is disturbed, discolored spots appear - vitiligo. When pigment is absent, people are born albinos. They have red eyes, because the iris is transparent, and blood vessels shine through it. Albinos do not have nevi and all the problems associated with them. While ordinary people need to pay attention to the factthat the mole hurts or in some way begins to manifest itself. It may be itching or tenderness in the area of the nevus.
Why do moles appear and what are they?
Nevi are formed from any cells that make up the skin. Therefore, the degree of staining of birthmarks is not the same. There are the following types of nevi:
- Pigmented spots can be brown, black or blue. The color intensity of moles depends on the amount of melanin. These are the most common birthmarks and the most dangerous in terms of oncology. When a dark-colored mole hurts, there is a risk of melanoma;
- Vascular nevi appear as red or cyanotic spots. They appear on the skin of the face or trunk. They are considered cosmetic defects, so people try to get rid of them. If the mole does not hurt, then it does not decorate the face;
- Modified sebaceous glands are found on the scalp and have a yellowish color. Practically invisible and do not cause disturbance. Until the mole on the head hurts, there is no need to remove it;
- Teratomas are a special subspecies of nevi. These birthmarks fully live up to their name. Indeed, these are spots, and not warty growths that rise above the level of the skin. Usually a mole on the face does not hurt, unless the skin is affected. Teratomas also appear in the form of stripes. During pregnancy, they are clearly visible, and after childbirth, they seem to disappear. This is due to hormonal changes in the body of pregnant women.
The appearance of nevi is genetically determined. A person is born with some moles, and some appear later. But they do not come out of nowhere, moreover, they are not transmitted as infectious diseases.
Why does a mole hurt
Pain receptors are located across the entire surface of the skin. Moreover, any nerve endings: tactile or temperature, with increased irritation "work" as pain. Since the nevus is located in the skin, the mole hurts under the same circumstances as all the skin. Pain is felt with the following stimuli:
- High and low temperature;
- Damage due to a cut, prick, blow with a blunt object;
- Burn, including chemical burn.
A person feels similar pain both in the area of the nevus and on the nearby skin.
It is much more dangerous when a mole hurts in the place of its localization, isolated from the rest of the skin. The sensitivity of moles to external stimuli is practically no different from the rest of the skin, but under certain conditions its threshold decreases. When nevi have a structure of large papillomas or warts on legs, which are located in places of contact with clothing, they are exposed to constant, daily irritation. As a result of mechanical action, the surface, epithelial cover is destroyed and nerve endings are exposed. That is why a mole located in the so-called "problem area" hurts.
When nevi are located in places that are not subject to irritation by clothing, the likelihood of their mechanical damage is very small. Therefore, if unpleasant sensations appear at the site of localization of the age spot, you should determine why a mole located on the back hurts, for example. For this purpose, you must consult a dermatologist. The specialist will perform the necessary examinations and prescribe treatment, choosing the most appropriate tactics.
The mole is inflamed and sore
The inflammatory process in the area of the nevus can lead to uncontrolled cell growth. This is how neoplasms appear, which are called cancer in the area of integumentary tissues. If the mole becomes inflamed and sore, you should immediately consult a doctor. If possible, to the oncologist.
With inflammation in the area of the nevus, redness and swelling appear, and a rim of depigmentation - paleness - forms around the circumference of the birthmark. This is due to vasospasm. This is how the body's defensive reaction is manifested, aimed at localizing the process. In such cases, if a mole hurts, the nature of the inflammation should be determined.
Doctors' tactics regarding patients with nevi
Considering the high risk of developing melanoma, a transient cancerous tumor of the skin, dermatologists have developed a specific tactic that provides for the prevention of oncological processes:
- When nevi appear in people after birth, there is a need for constant medical monitoring of growth or other changes in the area of birthmarks;
- All patients with congenital moles who have reached old age are subject to medical supervision. When a mole grows and hurts in old age, this indicates a violation at the cellular level, which, undoubtedly, is of increased interest to oncologists;
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The mole grows and hurts - you need to consult a dermatologist If nevi are located outside the field of vision of a person, he is offered prompt removal of birthmarks. Especially when they are in the area of constant rubbing from shoes or clothing. In such cases, the mole grows and hurts much more often and more strongly. This also indicates the possibility of malignant growth of nevus cells;
- A change in the color of a mole indicates a violation of the blood circulation of the skin in the area of the birthmark. Especially if the mole is inflamed and painful, and its diameter is growing. Pigmented birthmarks, grouped in one anatomical region, cause special alertness of oncologists. When the number of nevi is more than six, it is recommended to remove them in order to prevent cancer.
Even when the mole does not hurt, it brings a feeling of discomfort: itching, burning, peeling, bleeding, it is necessary to urgently undergo an examination at an oncological dispensary. Regardless of why the mole hurts, in no case should you try to remove the nevus yourself. This should only be done by qualified oncologists.
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