Moles: medication, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition of a mole

Moles are blackish brown spots or bumps that grow on the skin. In the medical world, these spots are known as melanocytic nevus.

This condition often appears in early childhood. However, in some people these black spots only appear in their 30s.

They can appear anywhere on the body and their shape can change over time. Sometimes the bumps can change color, size, or they may disappear.

This condition is not a serious disease, but its appearance can occur as a symptom or a sign of a skin disease that you are suffering from.

How common is it for people to have moles?

Almost everyone has one or two dark spots on the skin. Some are very small in size, some are very large to see.

This condition is also able to affect patients of all ages. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and symptoms of moles

Moles are generally brown in color, but some are darker or almost black in color.

The texture also varies from person to person. Some have this condition with a smooth, wrinkled, flat, or raised texture. Some moles are overgrown with hair.

These spots are usually circular or oblong with a faint outline. Usually the dot size is only about 6 millimeters in diameter, about the size of an eraser at the tip of a pencil.

Although most of the freckles that appear on people are harmless, you should still be aware that these spots do not appear until you are an adult. Therefore, the growth of these spots can be cancerous.

In addition, some signs that you should be aware of are:

• black ridges have two or more different colors,
• freckles or patches that are uneven,
• has a serrated tip,
• a bleeding spot, a mole that feels itchy, reddish, swollen, or crusty,
• appears on the back, legs, hands, and face, as well
• its size grows rapidly.

Sometimes, people think that these black bumps are the same as skin tag (flesh grows). In fact, both have differences. The difference with a mole, skin tag does not have the potential to become cancerous.

When to go to the doctor for a mole?

Although most moles are benign (non-cancerous), in rare cases they can develop into melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that appears on the skin, causing bleeding, itching, or redness.

You should start to be alert if black spots suddenly appear and are accompanied by other symptoms such as bleeding, discharge, or itching. You should immediately see a doctor.

Also pay close attention to whether there is a change in the color or shape of the existing spots.

Causes and risk factors for moles

What is the cause of its appearance?

Basically, these dark brown spots appear when skin cells called melanocytes grow in groups.

Melanocytes have an important role in the structure of human skin as a producer of pigments that give skin color. They tend to darken with frequent sun exposure.

Indeed, many people are born with a mole on their skin. But there are also people who only experience it as an adult.

It is not yet known what causes these patches to grow as adults. If the new black spots appear on the skin, it may be benign or it may become cancerous.

A 2015 study reported that the presence of a genetic mutation in the gene called BRAF in moles that grew up as adults that caused cancer.

In addition, 78% of cases of dark brown spots that appear as adults are reported to be benign, the rest are at risk of cancer.

BRAF genetic mutations in the human body are known to exist in melanoma cells. However, the process of changing from a benign type to a cancer risk is unknown.

Then, the interaction of ultraviolet (UV) rays, both natural and artificial, is known to cause genetic defects that can lead to the development of melanoma and other skin cancers.

What are the factors that trigger the risk of mole growth?

The risk factors that make you have this condition that appear as an adult are:

• getting older,
• have lighter skin and hair,
  
• have a family that also has these spots,
  
• taking drugs that suppress your immune system,
• a response to taking certain medications, such as some antibiotics, hormones, or antidepressants,
• genetic mutations, and
  
• frequent sun exposure or use tanning bed.

Diagnosis and treatment of moles

How do doctors diagnose moles?

To check whether dark spots are at risk of becoming cancer or not, the doctor will ask about skin conditions and check with the ABCDE method.

• Asymmetry: one side of the black spot is not symmetrical with the other.
• Border (boundary): rough, blurry, or irregular borders or edges of dark spots.
• Color (Color): The color of the spots on the skin is not completely the same or is slightly brown, brown, black, blue, white, or red.
• Diameter: the diameter of the freckle on the skin is larger than that of a pencil eraser.
• Evolume: the size, shape, or color of the spots change.

If cancerous spots are suspected, your doctor may order a skin biopsy. This is taking a small sample of the skin with the dark spots to be examined in the laboratory.

It's different if flies are not cancerous and don't change over time, you don't need to worry.

How to treat moles?

Normal moles do not need treatment if you are not bothered by their presence. In that case, you can get rid of the condition according to the advice of a dermatologist.

However, if you are diagnosed with a mole that is cancerous, usually the doctor will perform the operation at an early stage.

Surgery is often the main procedure for treating melanoma. After the operation, of course, you will need rehabilitation to prevent these black spots or bumps from reappearing.

If there is talent for cancer, your doctor will perform a surgical procedure to remove it.

Your doctor will numb the nerves in the area around the freckle or bulge and cut it. Sometimes, the normal skin around the bulge will also be removed. This procedure can leave permanent scars.

This operation will usually only take a few moments and not too long. Usually you don't need hospitalization afterwards, but this depends on your condition.

Watch for the mole to grow back

Even after surgery, black spots or bumps on the body can come back. This is because any mole you have is a sign of cancer.

Usually, the spots or bumps can grow back after surgery because there are cancer cells in them.

If the spots and bumps are the common type, or even just plain skin tag, generally won't come back after the removal procedure.

Meanwhile, according to information from the American Academy of Dermatology, a mole that grows back can be a sign of melanoma.

Therefore, you need to immediately consult a doctor if these dark bumps grow back after surgery to determine the cause.

How to get rid of moles

For those of you who have spots that are not cancerous but want to get rid of them, you can do how to get rid of moles by using make up.

But keep in mind, not all bumps or dark spots on your skin can be covered make up just like that. The reason. chemicals on make up in fact, they run the risk of irritating the freckle.

It's better to talk to your dermatologist if you want to get rid of these bumps permanently.

Home remedies

What are the home remedies that can treat this condition?

There are several uses of natural ingredients that are believed to be able to remove or fade these black bumps. However, you should consult a doctor before using some of the following natural ingredients.

1. Garlic

Some people believe applying garlic to a mole for a period of time will make it decrease or disappear completely.

Garlic is used because it contains enzymes that can dissolve cell groups that cause dark spots on the skin.

Keep in mind, garlic should not be rubbed or used too much because it can cause a burning sensation on the skin.

2. Honey

Several studies have shown that honey has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed that applying honey on moles will cause their dark spots to disappear within a few days.

3. Use aloe vera

Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that has many benefits for the skin. Some people believe that when used over time, aloe vera will help get rid of moles.

How to use it, apply a plant gel or aloe vera product to the problem skin. It's good to do an aloe vera allergy test first before applying it directly to the skin.

Avoid using mole removal creams

Many sell mole removal creams at pharmacies or other beauty stores. The good thing is not just using the product. The reason is, these creams can cause skin irritation and even damage.

Please note, the methods above should only be done for types of moles that are not cancerous.

Also, people with long-standing health problems with wound healing, such as diabetes, should consult a doctor to get rid of freckles safely.

Also stop using these drugs if you experience bad reactions such as itching, redness and irritation.