During the Middle Ages, moles were considered marks of the devil. The presence of such a spot on the skin was considered a confirmation that a person was practicing witchcraft.
In the 18th century, fashion was changing, and a mole above the lip was considered a sign of a passionate nature. Women, deprived of the sign of passion, began to apply fake moles themselves using pieces of black plaster, taffeta or velvet, which they stuck to the face, chest and shoulders in the form of moles.
In Europe, moles were seen not only as an object of makeup, but also as a means of communication and flirting. Moles placed on the upper lip meant that the girl was free for any offers, and if it was on the right cheek, it meant that she was married.
Today, moles are often associated with melanoma, one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer. And this explains the increased interest in them, as well as the appearance of numerous myths.
What are moles?
A mole (in Latin: melanucitus nevus) is a congenital or acquired benign pigment spot on the skin, which is due to an increased number of melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis. They are usually brown and some may be raised and covered with hair. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most moles appear in the first two decades of life.
Sometimes moles undergo malignant changes and turn into melanoma, a dangerous skin tumor.
The main function of melanocytes is protective. They protect the skin and the whole body from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The pigment melanin, produced by melanocytes, acts as a barrier.
With normal body work and moderate stay under the open sunlight on the human body, there is a sunburn. Under certain circumstances, disturbances occur in the body, as a result of which melanin is produced unevenly, provoking the appearance of pigmented spots.
Melanocytes can accumulate in different layers of the skin and be the source of benign (nevus) and malignant tumors (melanoma).
The appearance of new moles is influenced by many factors.
FACTORS OF THE APPEARANCE OF MOLES
Ultraviolet radiation (more sun or radiation in the solarium - more pigment spots).
The level of hormones - especially in puberty, during pregnancy and menopause.
Taking hormonal drugs - contraceptives, for example.
Skin diseases, including allergic manifestations.
Not all moles are equally harmless. Doctors distinguish the so-called dysplastic nevus in a separate category, sometimes they are also called atypical. Moles of this type are not yet skin cancer, but should be carefully monitored. If there are more than 5 atypical moles on the body, the risk of developing skin cancer increases 10 times.
Then you should definitely go for a consultation with an oncologist. In addition to the examination, dermatoscopy is performed during the consultation - the most accurate and reliable method for diagnosing skin formations.
Thanks to the dermatoscope, the structure of the mole, its symmetry, color is examined, which makes it possible to make a preliminary diagnosis. Specialists often come up with abbreviations that are easy to remember. In the case of medical examination of moles, it is ACCORD: asymmetry, edges, bleeding, color, size and dynamics.
Moles are associated with many false claims that most people believe. Some say that people who have many birthmarks are lucky. Others only become concerned when the mole suddenly begins to grow and change its appearance. However, the others do not remove the moles until the last, they are afraid of getting seriously ill.
Myths about moles and skin tone
Myth number 1. Removing moles increases the risk of developing skin melanoma
Italian scientists conducted a study on moles among 1000 women over the age of 20. And 82% of them confidently answered that it is dangerous to remove moles.
This stable myth is related to the fear of melanoma and the so-called a phenomenon of metastasis characteristic of some malignant neoplasms. When removing large melanomas, in some cases there is a violation of the delicate balance between the tumor and the immune system of its carrier.
But moles are not melanoma. No one will remove a mole without guaranteeing the complete safety of this procedure. So with current mole removal technology it is not dangerous.
Myth number 2. If the mole has been injured, it should be removed. In such a situation, the wound should first be treated with antiseptics to prevent infection. Then administer a drug that stimulates tissue repair. And then, as soon as possible, go see an oncologist or dermatologist.
The wound on the mole itself is no excuse to remove it. But often internal pathological processes lead to changes due to which they are easily traumatized. Therefore, a doctor is needed to check the risk of melanoma.
Myth number 3. Small moles should be covered with sunscreen
At least 5% of people actually apply sunscreen to the moles and the skin around them without applying it to the rest of the skin. Another 6% do not do this but think it should be done.
Research shows that normal clear skin suffers from sunlight much more than moles. This conclusion is reached by analyzing the number of compounds formed in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet rays and the degree of DNA damage. In moles, this is 3-5 times less than in the surrounding skin.
Myth number 4. Skin glows if it's cloudy and rainy outside. UV rays penetrate through clouds, so our skin can get a tan during the day if we're outside, even if it's raining. But the intensity of the radiation varies depending on the climatic conditions and the time of the year.
Today, every smartphone can download a weather app where the UV indicator is listed. He will tell you how to properly prepare your skin. For example, if the UV index is 1 or 2, use a sunscreen with a protection factor of SPF 30.
If the UV index is 3 to 7, wear a hat, sunglasses, and choose loose clothing that will cover arms and legs. If the UV index is greater than 7, put sunscreen oil on the whole body, and in the period from 11:00 to 17:00 it is better not to go out. These rules also apply to those who have dark skin by birth.
Myth number 5. To remove moles, any means is good. This incredible myth completely contradicts the many fears that lurk among the population. Some citizens panic, hanging the mole with clothes, and the rest of the population relentlessly experiments with folk remedies. Liquid nitrogen, a variety of preparations containing extracts of celengin, alkali, peroxide, vinegar, lemon with garlic … Some of these remedies really reduce both warts and moles. But, of course, they are not a universal medicine that applies in every case.
But the mole may be hiding cells from a malignant tumor. If some of these cells remain in the human body after the removal of the nevus, then the risk of developing skin cancer increases many times over.
By the way, this also applies to burning suspicious moles with a laser. If the material is not sent for histology, then there is no guarantee that the laser will cure the nascent melanoma, and it is possible that after this procedure it will begin to develop particularly actively.
Myth number 6. Some people are just born with lots of moles and freckles. And that's no reason to worry. There is a syndrome of multiple dysplastic nevi, when the whole body is covered with moles. Any of these can be transformed into melanoma. People with this syndrome are recommended to undergo an examination using a videodermoscope. It photographs the skin and allows you to monitor the appearance of new moles, and a special fluorescence lens distinguishes between pathology and he althy skin.
Myth number 7. Remove only dangerous moles
Doctors can remove any mole if it presents a physical or aesthetic problem. For example, if you are afraid of damaging the mole with your clothes or it looks ugly on your face. The main thing is to remove the mole only in a medical institution, where it will be sent for histological examination. So there's no chance of accidentally missing something that could turn into melanoma and metastasize if not properly removed.
Interesting facts about moles
On average, an adult has about 30 moles. 80-90% of them appear before the age of 25. Even in identical twins, moles are in different places, not to mention common siblings.
British scientists have come to the conclusion that the more moles a person has, the more likely his DNA has special mechanisms to protect against aging. People with a large number of moles, although they are at serious risk of cancer, on the other hand, have the opportunity to live longer.
Phones have learned to suggest whether a mole is malignant. The Dermo Screen smartphone app uses highly sensitive lenses to photograph and scan suspicious moles and birthmarks. This makes it possible to detect malignant cells in them. Prediction accuracy during testing is 85%.
According to Chinese astrologers, changes in the body occur under the influence of emotions or physiological reactions to life events. So on the birthmarks you can make some diagnoses and adjust the treatment.
In the palm, an unequivocally negative character is written on the birthmarks located along the lines of the hands. They point to heavy karma and unpaid debts that one has not yet been able to repay.
A simple check-up with a doctor helps to detect cancer at an early enough stage and treat it. With the arrival of summer, the vacation season has begun, so you should pay special attention to protecting your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. We recommend that you try to prepare natural products for safe tanning.
