A small mole is a big danger

After the end of the summer holidays and the vacation period, many of us returned from the seaside resorts with a lot of impressions and a southern tan. It's no secret that besides the fact that the skin gets a beautiful dark shade, it is exposed to additional stress due to solar radiation. Many people already know how dangerous it is to stay in the open sun, which can provoke the appearance of melanoma, especially in owners of moles. To eliminate possible unpleasant consequences after a summer vacation, it is necessary to conduct an examination to check the moles with a doctor.Moles (from Latin. "nevus"), or nevi, can be found on the skin of almost every person. There are still a lot of superstitions and misconceptions among the population about what moles are and how to treat them.

There are a huge number of clinical varieties of nevi. They can appear at any stage of a person's life: from the prenatal period (congenital nevi) and throughout life (acquired nevi) .

Depending on which layer of the skin they are located in, nevi are divided into epidermal, dermal (deep layers of the skin) and mixed. Nevi vary in shape from spots to protruding growths. The dimensions can be either microscopic or gigantic. The color options range from white (anemic nevus) to blue, different shades of brown to black.

Nevi can be localized on any part of the skin. They are focal growths of cells that were laid down during the period of intrauterine development of the fetus. As a rule, they consist of altered melanocytes (cells producing the pigment melanin). Of course, only an experienced and qualified dermatologist can understand all the variety of nevi.

Why is it important to show your moles to a doctor?

The fact is that some varieties of nevi can undergo malignant degeneration and turn into melanoma, one of the most dangerous tumors.

Delete or not?

Many people believe that removing moles is very dangerous. This is not the case at all.

To begin with, there are several reasons for removing nevi:

• suspected melanoma;
• high potential of developing into malignant formations (atypical nevi);
• localization in places exposed to friction;
• for aesthetic reasons;
localization on the palms and soles.

After removal, the material should be subjected to histological examination.

Where to remove moles?

It is better to remove nevi in specialized clinics, where an accurate diagnosis will be made and the optimal method of removal will be chosen. In some cases, the intervention of a plastic surgeon is required.

How to remove moles?

There are different ways to delete:

• surgical;
• laser;
• electrocoagulation;
• thermocoagulation;
• chemical.

The method of removal must be determined by a doctor. The main tasks are to completely remove the nevus, minimize scarring after surgery, and send the material to the laboratory.

Things to keep in mind:

• It is not recommended to sunbathe in direct sunlight, especially in the middle of the day.
Photoprotective creams do not reduce the risk of developing melanoma! They protect the skin from burns and prevent sunburn;
• It is strictly forbidden to remove moles on your own (including using celandine);
• You should contact a dermatologist to make an accurate diagnosis and receive further recommendations.

When you need to go to the doctor immediately:

• the appearance of pain, itching in the nevus area;
• changing the shape, color, and size of the nevus;
• nevus injury;
• bleeding or bloody discharge on the surface of the nevus;
• the appearance of a vascular mesh on the nevus;
nevi on the palms and soles.

Despite all of the above, most nevi are completely harmless. Nevertheless, for all questions related to the presence and removal of moles, you should consult a doctor.