A mole is a benign formation that occurs due to the accumulation of melanin in the upper layers of the epidermis. They do not cause harm or aesthetic discomfort to their owner, except in cases where the nevus is located on the face or other prominent place. This situation forces a person to see a doctor to have the nevus removed. Another reason for a visit to a dermatologist is the formation of a white circle around a mole.
Reasons for the appearance of a halo
A white halo around the mole may appear if the neoplasm is Setton's nevus. This variety is a dark pigment spot, around which after some time a rim of discolored skin forms. This nevus is absolutely safe; it almost never degenerates into a malignant melanoma tumor, unless certain factors contribute to this, for example, frequent ultraviolet radiation. Setton's mole appears in people who have a tendency to form vitiligo - white pigment spots throughout the body, and most often it has a multiple distribution pattern. A white halo usually appears within several months after the formation of the nevus itself, and often the neoplasm disappears spontaneously within several years without any treatment. Although this phenomenon is not dangerous to human health and life, it must be regularly monitored by a dermatologist to eliminate the risk of possible complications.
What symptoms should you see a doctor for?
The symptoms of the pathology have pronounced characteristics. White spots localized near moles cause a number of unpleasant moments for a person:
- stable itching, provoking scratching of the affected area of the epidermis at a certain point;
- peeling of the epithelial layer in the area of the nevus. Cracks may appear near the hair, on the back, face;
- pigmentation disappears gradually, starting from the middle;
- Sometimes a person experiences sharp pain.
A flat spot is not a cause for concern. The form of the disease informs doctors that the nevus has not transformed into a malignant structure. Examination of the affected area becomes inevitable if the spot changes in shape and color.
Doctors visually examine patients and collect materials to study histological parameters. Tissue analysis will reveal the exact reasons for the transformation of a nevus into melanoma. An effective technique is dermatoscopy. It is better not to risk it and visit a qualified dermatologist in the clinic.
In babies, a white or pinkish halo often appears around a mole. As a rule, this is associated with hormonal dysfunctions of a fragile body. Infants should be protected from ultraviolet radiation. Systematic consumption of vitamin D and microelements will not hurt.
Other symptoms of malignancy
The process of transformation of a mole into melanoma is rarely asymptomatic, especially in later stages, so it is advisable for every person with an abundance of tumors on the skin to have them examined regularly. If possible, you can do this yourself if all the nevi are located on areas of the body accessible to the eye, otherwise you can seek help from a dermatologist. This recommendation should be especially adhered to by those people who have had cases of melanoma or skin cancer in their immediate family. In addition to the fact that white dots may appear around the mole, which will subsequently form a solid rim, the following factors may indicate malignancy:
- the nevus has increased in size, changed shape and outline;
- the neoplasm and the skin around it have thickened;
- there is bleeding or other discharge;
- the mole itches, hurts or is inflamed;
- hair that was not there before began to grow from the growth;
- the white halo gradually darkened and became black;
- red or black dots appeared;
- asymmetry of the nevus appeared.
Are white spots around a mole dangerous?
White patches of skin in themselves do not pose a health threat. But if there are other symptoms indicating the development of a pathological process, then you should immediately show the nevus to a doctor. So, the following signs are cause for concern:
- the shape and size of the nevus changes;
- the edges become uneven;
- cracks, peeling, nodules, and bumps appear on the surface of the mole;
- it is swollen and inflamed;
- pain, burning, itching and other unpleasant sensations are felt;
- blood, pus or exudate is released from the mole;
- the nevus changed color.
If you have one or more symptoms, you should consult a doctor. All these phenomena may indicate malignant degeneration of the birthmark, so it is very important to conduct an examination as early as possible.
Provocateurs of the appearance of a white halo
White dots, which subsequently form a ring, may not appear on a person’s skin immediately; several factors may contribute to this. Firstly, this can happen during periods of hormonal changes, which is especially often observed during puberty, during pregnancy or with the onset of menopause in women. An imbalance of hormones can negatively affect all internal systems and organs of a person, and external manifestations, such as changes in pigmentation around moles, should be even more alarming.
Secondly, a halo of discolored skin may appear around the nevus after sunbathing, which is also a negative phenomenon. Ultraviolet radiation received in excess can provoke the appearance of new moles and the malignancy of old ones. For this reason, experts recommend sunbathing without fanaticism, this applies to both natural sunlight and artificial ones in a solarium. The resulting sunburn may not immediately affect the body, but its accumulation will increase the risk of developing various skin diseases.
Thirdly, white dots that appear, gradually connecting into a halo, may occur due to a disruption in the functioning of melanocytes. This manifests itself in the case of Vitiligo, which can develop in a person at any age. This pathology causes moral discomfort to the owner, so it is necessary to consult a dermatologist. A specialized treatment for this disease, which helps in 100% of cases, has not yet been created; the doctor can only assume the effectiveness of certain drugs in each specific case. For this reason, the patient will have to be patient, because the process of eliminating white pigment spots can take years.
In rare cases, the formation of a rim of discolored skin can be caused by the following factors:
- syringomyelia is a disease characterized by the formation of cavities in the spinal cord;
- frequent stress, depression;
- past infectious diseases;
- pathologies in the functioning of the endocrine glands;
- diseases affecting metabolism.
Is it dangerous and what needs to be done
The human body is covered with pigmentation. Nevi vary in size and shape. They can be flat or convex. Under unfavorable conditions, they degenerate into a malignant formation.
Hanging warts are considered dangerous. Only a thin stalk attaches them to the skin. The risk of injury, ripping off by clothing or careless movement increases. It can be the main cause of the development of cancer.
Histological examination is carried out if malignancy is suspected. The test results provide the basis for making an accurate diagnosis. Treatment is prescribed only after a specialist’s verdict.
If the formation is benign, but is located in an area susceptible to injury, surgical removal is prescribed. Will reduce the risk of developing negative consequences in the future.
The face, temples, back, and abdomen can become covered with pigment spots, causing aesthetic discomfort. Many people decide to get rid of growths surgically. Experts do not recommend such interventions; such interventions can provoke negative consequences in the future.
If the mole continues to grow, begins to dry out, releases liquid when pressed, or becomes hard, red or dark in color, experts recommend removing the suspicious element. There are several ways:
- Conservative method - removal is carried out using a scalpel. It is used when the doctor suspects that the nevus is transforming into melanoma. The disadvantage of the procedure is high trauma to the skin, a long rehabilitation period, and scars.
- Laser removal is best used when the size of the growth is small. The disadvantage is that it is impossible to exclude relapse; damaged tissue may remain. The advantage is a quick recovery period, no traces.
- Removal by radio waves does not injure healthy tissue; the growth is completely removed. Effective for small spots.
- Removal by electric current – electrocoagulation. The risk of blood loss is reduced. An effective method with a minimal recovery period.
- Cryodestruction – removal with liquid nitrogen. Used if the birthmark is small.
Methods for removing a mole with a halo
If the white spots around the growth are not a manifestation of vitiligo, the mole can be removed. To do this, you need to choose a suitable, reliable clinic that will have all the necessary licenses to conduct such activities. At the same time, it is better not to give preference to separate cosmetology rooms, since serious procedures for removing nevi can only be performed by a qualified surgeon. Any mistake made during exposure can lead to an accelerated process of malignancy after the completion of the rehabilitation period.
You should also not resort to traditional medicine, as they are not always safe. Some remedies may help some people but cause complications for others. Any damage to a mole - physical or chemical - without its complete removal can cause serious illnesses, including melanoma.
Do not try to self-medicate; only an experienced specialist can make a diagnosis and select appropriate measures.
Often, surgeons offer traditional excision with a scalpel to remove a mole, which allows you to completely remove the nevus. This method can also be used in case of melanoma development, since the others do not provide such a guarantee for the prevention of complications and relapses. The doctor removes the tumor along with a small area of adjacent skin, after which the excised material is sent for histological analysis to determine the nature of the occurrence. The rehabilitation period lasts quite a long time, and in most cases a scar remains after it.
If there is no danger of the mole becoming malignant, then the specialist can suggest one of the hardware techniques that are more gentle on the skin. These include laser therapy, cryodestruction (exposure to liquid nitrogen at low temperatures), electrocoagulation (use of electric current) and radioknife (use of high-frequency radio waves). All these procedures are carried out quite quickly; the entire process can take no more than five minutes. The recovery period is also short, and bleeding is avoided during the removal process. After using these techniques, in most cases there are no scars left, so they can even be used to remove nevi on the face.
Treatment of nevus with a white rim
If you don't like a mole with a white halo, you can get rid of it. To do this, you need to see a dermatologist. To begin with, he will prescribe a special examination for you, which will determine whether the nevus is a benign formation and whether it can be removed.
If everything is in order, you will be asked to choose one of the methods for removing the birthmark. Modern medicine offers several methods:
- electrocoagulation – cauterization of the nevus with electric current;
- cryodestruction – freezing with liquid nitrogen;
- laser method - removal of formation using a laser;
- radio wave method - exposure to high-frequency radio waves;
- surgical method - excision of the mole with a scalpel.
Each of these methods has its pros and cons. The doctor will tell you which one to choose, taking into account your problem.
Prevention of malignancy
Knowing about the tendency to the appearance of numerous age spots, a person should be attentive to his health, following general preventive recommendations:
- It is prohibited to sunbathe in the open sun later from 11:00 to 17:00. You can be near the water in the shade;
- you cannot visit the solarium;
- using sunscreen will not prevent the appearance of new moles or their inflammation;
- If new growths appear, undergo examination and consult with your doctor;
- burning out or tearing off a mole on your own will lead to disastrous consequences;
- if the nevus falls off or is injured, you should consult a doctor;
The rules will protect you from serious consequences and health problems. A visit to a specialist should be timely as soon as the spot has increased, decreased in size, many new ones have appeared, or they have begun to fade or change shape.
Having noticed that the mole has turned white, many needlessly leave the problem without proper attention. Unpleasant symptoms, discomfort, burning sensation are reasons to immediately consult a doctor. Nevi can be harmless, but they must be kept under control to remain healthy.
Symptoms that are alarming
Those cases of depigmentation that do not cause inflammatory processes and the edging has a flat appearance, as a rule, are not dangerous. Any pathological process that is accompanied by the formation of a light halo around a birthmark is distinguished by its symptoms. Warning symptoms, which should you see a doctor as soon as possible, include:
- the appearance of peeling and itching in the area of the birthmark;
- the skin around the mole has turned white;
- discomfort and pain in the nevus area.
To prevent vitiligo from appearing
Vitiligo has been proven to be a non-congenital disease that is not inherited. It develops gradually and manifests itself throughout a person’s life. Scientists also say that a white spot around a mole most often occurs in young women. After all, they are the ones who most often fall into depression and also suffer from diseases of the endocrine system.
To prevent such a nevus from degenerating, certain rules must be followed. If there is a white circle around the mole, then it should be protected from sunlight. First of all, because ultraviolet radiation has a bad effect on the nevus itself. It is also worth considering that skin without pigment is very sensitive to the sun.
In addition, moles surrounded by a white spot often appear in the summer. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the work of pigment-producing cells practically stops. After all, excessive sunbathing is stress for the whole body. The pigment melanin is produced to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation.
Experts also recommend avoiding stressful situations. It is worth learning to bring more peace and harmony into your life. You should control your metabolism and cleanse your body.
