What is a Mole?
A mole is a common benign skin growth that develops when pigment cells in the skin, called melanocytes, grow in clusters. Moles are very common, and most people have between 10-40 moles by adulthood. Moles can be tan, brown, black, pink, red, or flesh colored and can appear anywhere on the body. They are usually round or oval shaped and generally less than 6 millimeters in diameter when they first develop.
What Causes Moles to Form?
Moles form when melanocytes grow in clusters rather than being spread evenly across the skin. This clustered growth results in concentrated areas of pigment that we see as moles. Several factors influence mole development:
- Genetics – There is often a hereditary component to mole development. People with fair skin, light hair, and freckles tend to develop more moles.
- Sun exposure – Exposure to UV radiation from the sun can trigger melanocytes to proliferate and form moles, especially during childhood and adolescence.
- Hormones – Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can lead to new mole growth.
In addition, there are different types of moles:
- Junctional nevi – These moles are flat and uniformly colored. They are formed by melanocytes clustering at the bottom layer of the epidermis.
- Compound nevi – These moles are slightly raised and vary in color from tan to brown. The melanocytes extend from the bottom layer of the epidermis into the top layer of the dermis.
- Dermal nevi – These moles are bumpy and often darker than compound nevi. The melanocytes are found in the dermis but not in the epidermis.
Are Moles Harmful?
The vast majority of moles are benign and no cause for concern. However, in rare cases, a mole may show signs of abnormal changes that can indicate skin cancer:
- Asymmetry – One half of the mole does not match the other half
- Irregular borders – The mole has uneven, scalloped, or poorly defined borders
- Color changes – The mole’s color becomes uneven or develops new colors
- Diameter larger than 6mm – The mole’s diameter increases after adolescence
- Elevation – The mole becomes raised above the skin and has an uneven surface
Moles with any of these characteristics, especially if they are new or changing, should be evaluated promptly by a dermatologist to check for melanoma or another type of skin cancer.
Should You Pop a Mole?
Popping or scratching a mole is not recommended. Doing so can damage the mole, spread melanoma cells if the mole is cancerous, and increase the risk of infection.
There are a few instances where popping a mole may be appropriate:
- If the mole has been diagnosed as a seborrheic keratosis, the dermatologist may choose to shave off or cryogenically freeze the mole. This can cause the mole to pop off the skin.
- If a mole becomes irritated, inflamed, and fills with pus, a doctor may need to lance and drain it to treat the infection.
- During a skin biopsy, a mole may be partially popped or scooped out to obtain a sample for examination under a microscope.
However, these situations should only be done under medical supervision. Popping or picking at a mole on your own is risky and can do more harm than good.
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When Should a Mole Be Removed?
Most moles are harmless and can be left alone. However, moles that are changing, bleeding, painful, or have any suspicious features should be evaluated for removal.
Reasons a doctor may recommend mole removal include:
- Signs of melanoma or atypical cells on biopsy
- Mole is injured repeatedly and not healing well
- Mole becomes chronically irritated or inflamed
- Mole bleeds easily or often
- Mole is painful or itchy
- Mole grows rapidly or changes noticeably
- Mole is cosmetically undesirable to the patient
Moles can be surgically shaved off, excised with scalpels, burned off via electrodesiccation or laser, or frozen off with liquid nitrogen. The method chosen depends on the mole’s characteristics and location on the body.
Risk Factors for Melanoma Development
While most moles are benign, moles that contain atypical or cancerous cells can develop into melanoma skin cancer. Risk factors for melanoma include:
- Fair complexion with light hair and eye color
- Exposure to natural or artificial UV light
- Family or personal history of melanoma
- High mole count (>50 moles)
- Large or atypical appearing moles
- Weakened immune system or prior organ transplant
People at high risk for melanoma should have a full body skin examination annually and monitor all moles for any changes in size, shape, or color. Suspicious moles should be promptly evaluated by a dermatologist. Early detection and treatment offers the best prognosis if melanoma does develop.
What to Expect After Mole Removal
After surgical mole removal, the skin will be closed with stitches and bandaged. The area may be numb for several hours afterwards from local anesthesia provided during the procedure.
Typical post-procedure care includes:
- Following cleansing and bandaging instructions
- Using antibiotics ointments or creams
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
- Keeping the area dry for 24-48 hours
- Avoiding strenuous activity while healing
The stitches are usually removed within 1-2 weeks. The mole site will gradually fade over several weeks to months. Some minor scarring is common but can often be minimized with proper wound care and sun protection.
Home Mole Removal Techniques
While mole removal should be performed by a dermatologist, there are some home techniques that may be effective for removing benign moles. However, these methods have risks so consult your doctor first.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid can chemically burn off moles after a period of weeks. Over-the-counter mole removal creams contain 10-40% salicylic acid. The acid damages the mole tissue so the mole eventually falls off.
Proper technique involves:
– Soaking the mole in warm water
– Filing down and removing surface layers
– Applying salicylic acid cream daily
– Covering with adhesive bandage
This method can cause skin irritation, bleeding, infection, or scarring.
Garlic
Garlic contains anti-inflammatory sulfur compounds that may destroy benign moles. Crush fresh garlic cloves and apply the pulp directly to the mole. Cover with a bandage and replace daily. The sulfur compounds can damage the mole over time.
Garlic can cause burns or skin irritation in some people. Use cautiously and avoid contact with eyes or sensitive skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that may gradually damage mole tissue if applied daily. Soak a cotton ball in vinegar and secure it to the mole overnight with a bandage. The acid also acts as an antimicrobial to prevent infection.
This method can be irritating to skin and cause redness or peeling around the mole. Avoid using vinegar on open wounds or bleeding moles.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. Apply a drop directly on the mole and cover with a bandage twice daily. The oil may cause the mole to dry up and fall off over time.
Perform a patch test first, as tea tree oil can cause skin irritation and rashes in some people. Dilute before use on sensitive areas.
Castor Oil and Baking Soda
A paste made of castor oil and baking soda can be used to gently rub off dead skin cells and mole tissue. Mix them together and apply to the mole, rubbing in a circular motion for a few minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Repeat daily.
The gritty texture of baking soda provides exfoliation while castor oil softens the mole. Use delicate pressure to avoid damaging the skin. Stop if skin becomes raw or bleeding.
Potential Risks of Home Mole Removal
While home mole removal techniques may work for some benign moles, they come with possible side effects and complications:
- Skin irritation, redness, burns, or blistering
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Removal of only part of the mole, leaving cells behind
- Scarring or discoloration of the skin
- Infections like cellulitis or staph
- Damage to cancerous moles, spreading melanoma cells
Due to these risks, it is generally safest to have a dermatologist remove and examine any suspicious or bothersome moles.
When to See a Doctor for Moles
Consult a dermatologist promptly if you notice any of the following about a mole:
- Changes in size, shape, color, or border
- New black, blue, red, or multicolored patches
- Scaly, dry, or peeling areas on the mole
- Moles that are asymmetrical or have irregular borders
- Moles larger than 6mm in diameter or 1/4 inch
- Inflammation, itching, or tenderness
- Oozing, crusting, or bleeding
These signs may indicate abnormal changes or melanoma. Early detection is key to successful treatment. When in doubt, get any new, changing, or symptomatic moles evaluated. Even if the mole appears harmless, removing concerning moles can provide peace of mind.
Warning Signs of Melanoma
Look for these ABCDE warning signs of possible melanoma and make an appointment with a dermatologist right away if found:
Asymmetry – One half of the mole is unlike the other half
Border – The mole has an irregular, blurred, or jagged border
Color – The mole has uneven coloring or newly mixed colors
Diameter – The mole is wider than 6mm or has grown in size
Evolving – The mole has been changing in shape, color, or size
Conclusion
Most moles are harmless, but popping or picking at them is not recommended. Doing so can damage the skin, cause infections, and may spread cancer cells in dangerous melanomas.
Suspicious, bothersome, or changing moles should be evaluated by a dermatologist rather than trying unproven home remedies. Even when mole removal is warranted, having a doctor perform the removal reduces the risks of complications.
With smart prevention and early detection, most moles can be safely monitored or removed when necessary. See a doctor promptly if your mole exhibits any unusual changes or symptoms. Stay vigilant about tracking your moles and protecting your skin, especially if you are high risk for developing melanoma.
