Can a mole become dry, rough and change size: causes and dangers

Which person doesn't have moles? Everyone and everyone, even children. They are of different shapes, colors and sizes. Hanging moles are especially embarrassing. Birthmarks differ in their appearance and shape. We will not touch on this topic, since various beliefs and stories are associated with them. Let's discuss the topic of those that interfere and are accompanied by unpleasant processes. Hanging moles, or they are also called nevus, in themselves have an unpleasant appearance and serve as one of the symptoms of the disease. In cases where a mole has dried out and fallen off, it is advisable to go to a doctor and get examined.

A dried mole should be a reason to visit a doctor.

Why does a mole peel off?

photo of a flaky mole
The surface of the pigment spot is formed by the same epithelial tissue as the surrounding healthy skin. But, unlike skin without birthmarks, the epidermis of a nevus contains a large number of pigment cells - melanocytes, which produce melanin. Pigment products have an exclusively protective mechanism of action for the human body. The melanin layer in the skin reflects and scatters ultraviolet rays, which have a mutagenic effect on cells.

Since the mole concentrates a maximum of melanocytes in its thickness, it becomes the epicenter of the adverse effects of various factors. A nevus is a vulnerable spot on the human skin.

The fact of peeling is not always considered a sign of change or degeneration. If the nevus has been subjected to a sharp impact of an environmental factor, then the mole may peel off temporarily and have no consequences afterwards.

The reasons for the peeling of the surface of the nevus lie in the influence of external and internal factors.

When to worry

As already mentioned, if a mole falls off, this is a signal for alarm. A very bad sign is blackening of the growth. This suggests that various kinds of processes occur in it that lead to serious health consequences. Only a dermatologist can confirm or refute the changes occurring in the body. The appearance of a mole in itself does not mean anything, but its change or increase in size is an alarming sign:

• changes in hormonal levels and the production of melanin in large quantities,
• mechanical damage (clothing, razor, comb, etc.),
• sunbathing in large quantities, especially if sunburned.

External factors leading to peeling of a mole

1. Prolonged exposure to open sun. The natural reaction of the skin in response to insolation is hyperemia, followed by excessive keratinization and peeling. The causes of peeling in this case are dead skin epithelium, which gradually sloughs off and is replaced by a new layer of cells. In this case, the surface of the mole does not change. It still grows hair and has either a warty or flat appearance. The color of the halo and surrounding skin is not changed. There are no unpleasant sensations in the area of ​​the tumor. Itching is possible if preceded by sunburn. Such peeling of a mole does not pose a danger to humans, but since any birthmark can degenerate, it is worth carefully monitoring it in the future. If peeling does not go away for a long time, you should consult a dermatologist or oncologist to decide whether to remove the tumor.
2. Tanning obtained artificially - in a solarium. It is known that to obtain the same shade of tan in the sun and in a solarium, different times are required. A solarium requires much less time, but this is achieved by increasing the dose of ultraviolet radiation. In this case, the same changes are observed on the skin and moles as when exposed to natural sunlight.
3. Chemical effects on the skin of substances that have a local irritant effect. The reasons for peeling of a mole in this case are a consequence of a chemical burn. Such substances include alcohols, acids, alkalis, fuels and lubricants, solvents, paints, acetone, and resins. Some cosmetics can also cause the mole to peel. Especially for people who are prone to allergies. In such situations, swelling of the skin, hyperemia, and itching are observed. Next, the mole or age spot peels off. After 2 weeks from the moment of exposure to the chemical, all changes on the surface of birthmarks should disappear on their own. If this does not happen, then you should visit a doctor. This tumor may need to be removed.
4. X-ray radiation. If for some reason the patient has had several x-rays taken (fractures), then the skin, and especially the moles on it, may begin to peel off. In a healthy person, such a change will pass without leaving a trace. If DNA molecules are not repaired when exposed to ionizing radiation, then after a few years the formation may begin the process of degeneration.
5. Mechanical injuries. If a mole peels off after constant friction on the surface of clothes, belts, straps, then you should think about removing it. Constant traumatization of the nevus can lead to degeneration and development of melanoma.

Processes associated with moles

Let's look at the most common situations that can lead to problems with moles.

1. It begins to fall off and fall away. It is better to make an appointment with a specialist at the skin department. In most cases, this is a consequence of degeneration from a mole to melanoma. The sooner they examine and confirm or deny the presence of the disease, the better and calmer it is for you. Most often, after degeneration, the skin at the site of the fallen mole begins to peel off, itch, and sometimes cause pain. If at least one of the symptoms is present: do not play with your health, but go to the hospital.
2. The mole has dried up and fallen off. If you are sure that the fallen growth is not a papilloma, which most often dies and falls off: go to the hospital or take clinical tests for the presence of melanin. If present, it can lead to poor health and sometimes death. It is advisable to submit a mole that has disappeared for histological tests. But often they fall off if they are torn off by clothing, accidentally pulled with a fingernail, cut with a razor, etc. Moles also disappear in cases of lack of nutrients.
3. A piece of a mole has come off or fallen off. It often happens that a piece or several pieces fall off from a large mole. It has grown in size in a short period of time. Most often this can happen in cases of summer sun exposure or mechanical damage. The main thing is not to panic, but to take this piece for analysis for your peace of mind. Then go to the doctor with the answers. But this is a last resort. If there are symptoms such as itching, burning, peeling, pain, only a doctor can help. Otherwise, there simply aren't enough nutrients for growth.

Only a specialist can explain what happens to a mole

Internal causes that contribute to peeling of moles

1. Skin type, or rather, types 1 and 2. The congenital type of human skin largely determines the outcome of all birthmarks and neoplasms. White, light skin, blue or green eyes, light brown hair color - owners of this color type with a large number of moles on the body are at high risk for developing melanoma. If a mole begins to peel off and you have the above color type, then you should immediately visit an oncologist. In this case, the skin has a low level of natural protection and nevi on it are susceptible to degeneration as soon as possible from the onset of changes.
2. Age over 50 years. Given the complex age-related changes that occur during aging of the human body, all organs are at risk of developing cancer. Leather is no exception. Melanoma develops in such individuals much more often, especially in women. If a mole has been peeling off for a long period of time, then you need to visit an oncologist to have the tumor removed as quickly as possible.
3. Decreased immunity. The reasons for the suppression of the body’s immune forces are different and lie in the presence of diseases: chronic infectious diseases, oncological processes, pathology of the endocrine system. Taking corticosteroids also suppresses the immune system. Any changes in the surface of the nevus, be it ulceration, peeling, cracks, should be a reason for an early visit to the doctor. If there is a concomitant pathology, a mole that has begun to peel off is removed.
4. Smoking contributes to the degeneration of nevi into melanoma, so a sign on the surface of a mole, such as peeling, is a reason to remove the neoplasm.
5. Hereditary predisposition. A mutation in the gene responsible for destroying atypical cells in the body leads to intensive proliferation of cancer cells. Therefore, any changes on the surface of a mole in people who have relatives who died of skin cancer are a reason to consult a doctor. If the nevus peels off, it must be removed.

Prevention

There are rules that you can follow to prevent the appearance of new keratomas:

1. First of all, you need to regularly visit a dermatologist. This is especially true for people over 30 years of age, because the risk of cancer increases with age.
2. Always hide tumors from sunlight.
3. Monitor your diet and avoid monotony. For healthy skin you need: nuts, fish, fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products.
4. After removing a mole, you need to carefully monitor the scar to prevent inflammation.

Spots and bumps on the body in adults and children are not always a problem. Many become a real highlight of a person. But even in this case, you need to consult a dermatologist. After all, it is better to prevent any disease in time than to treat it.

Peeling and other dangerous signs of mole degeneration

Experts identify a number of signs that indicate the possible degeneration of a nevus and the development of melanoma. Such symptoms are considered a reason to visit an oncologist. Any mole that has undergone changes must be removed.

Peeling is not the only unfavorable sign. As a rule, there are several more points that will accompany peeling when the nevus degenerates.

1. Cracks, crusts and ulcers on the surface of the neoplasm.
2. Shiny, smooth surface of the mole, disappearance of grooves.
3. Hair loss.
4. Change in color of nevus. The color may become uneven and patches of black, blue, purple, red, and white may appear.
5. Feeling of fullness, itching, pain in the area of ​​the pigmented neoplasm.
6. The appearance of a hyperemic rim around the nevus.
7. Increase in size 2 times in 6 months.
8. Diameter more than 6 mm.
9. The boundaries become fuzzy, merging with the skin.

If there are signs of a change in the appearance of a mole over time, you should see a doctor immediately. A benign neoplasm does not grow and does not undergo transformations, so any, even the most minor, changes in the area of ​​the nevus must be diagnosed by a doctor.

What to do if a mole peels off

photo mole peels off
If you notice signs of changes in the surface of the birthmark - peeling, ulceration, bleeding - you need to contact an oncologist who specializes in skin pathology. You should not self-medicate and use products to relieve peeling (scrubs, medicated ointments).

The doctor will conduct a thorough diagnosis of the tumor using a dermatoscope and, if deemed necessary, perform a biopsy. Given the high incidence of melanoma even in young people, most often a mole that has begun to peel off is removed. Then it is examined by histologists and the nature of the process is determined. If the patient comes in at the first signs of nevus degeneration, then the removed neoplasm turns out to be benign in 96% of cases.

Child's problems

It is necessary to pay very close attention to scaly nevi on the body of children. At the first sign, if the formation begins to itch, you should immediately contact a qualified specialist in this field (dermatologist). Since children's skin has the most delicate structure, it is more susceptible to the appearance of various neoplasms. Almost all formations on the body appear in early childhood. The doctor will examine the child’s body in detail, prescribe a number of special tests, and it will be possible to more accurately determine what type of formation it is and whether it is dangerous.

Treatment methods

photo dermatoscopy of moles
The most popular methods for removing birthmarks and convex moles are the laser method, cryodestruction, electrocoagulation and radio wave method. These methods are used to get rid of elements up to 2 cm in size. Excision with a surgical scalpel is carried out with ambiguous biopsy results and at the discretion of the doctor.

1. The laser method is considered the most effective way to get rid of skin tumors. Painful sensations during removal are minimal; local anesthesia can be used by subcutaneous injection of lidocaine. The wound heals quickly - within 2 weeks. Healing takes place under the scab, so it does not have the opportunity to fester. The operation is bloodless.
2. The cryodestruction method is inferior in cost to the laser method and does not require such qualified personnel. Liquid nitrogen or dry ice freezes the tissue, which leads to the destruction of the nevus. This method is painful and therefore requires anesthesia. Healing is slower and the likelihood of infection is high.
3. Electrocoagulation is a method of using electric current. The operation is bloodless, but quite painful. After removal, a scar remains.
4. The radio wave method allows you to get rid of small elements. Removal is almost painless and highly effective. There is no bleeding. This method involves contactless removal of the tumor. The healing process takes 1.5-2 weeks.

Ignoring changes that occur with moles and age spots can have serious consequences. Melanoma is considered the most insidious and malignant tumor, as it metastasizes to internal organs with a tumor thickness of 2 mm. In order to prevent the degeneration of a benign neoplasm, it is necessary to exclude or minimize direct sunlight on moles, maintain proper immune activity and visit a dermatologist 1-2 times a year if there are a large number of moles.

Can a mole become dry, rough and change size: causes and dangers

A rough mole is a seborrheic keratosis on the surface of the skin; the disease has nothing to do with a birthmark and is expressed in excessive thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis. A nevus consists of melanocytes - special cells containing melanin that have a direct connection with the nervous system. Seborrheic papilomatosis can last for decades and progress.

What is a seborrheic mole, is it dangerous?

The element, rough to the touch, is distinguished by a peculiar, greasy coating and has a direct connection with the hair follicles. It can grow on the scalp, face, neck, and affect the torso - back, chest, back of the hands, forearms and external genitals.

Never develops on the soles and palms. The main group of patients is in the age range from 30 to 40 years. The color of the seborrheic keratosis lesion darkens due to the increased density of exfoliating cells.

In some cases, single melanocytes are found, which gives the spots a dark color.

The tumor-like formation is benign. Shape – oval or round. The boundaries are clear, protruding above the surface of the surrounding tissues. The size ranges from 2 to 6 mm. The growth may itch periodically.

The color palette is pink, black, dark or light brown. On the surface there are many small warts with a thin flaky crust that tends to bleed.

As it develops up to 1-2 cm in diameter, it becomes covered with cracks.

Seborrheic keratosis has a soft structure, but the top layer is dense and hard. Keratoma can take on a convex or pointed appearance. The top contains white or black keratin. The edge is uneven.

The formation is benign, the degeneration of cells into cancer is not excluded. Keratosis externally resembles some types of oncology, which can be determined by histology. A dangerous type of growth, occurring like a cutaneous horn, represents the first stage of skin cancer.

Causes of roughness on a mole

Doctors have not yet been able to establish with certainty what causes the appearance of rough formations.

For a long time, doctors adhered to the version about the viral origin of the disease and its reaction to exposure to solar radiation. Numerous studies have not provided conclusive evidence. There is no reliable information that the disease develops in patients with oily seborrhea, in people who consume insufficient amounts of animal, vegetable fats and vitamins.

It was found that keratosis often appears in people whose relatives have previously suffered from the disease. Predisposition is transmitted by heredity. Manifests itself during the aging period of the skin and under the influence of internal and external irritants:

• endocrine diseases of a chronic nature;
• excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
• pregnancy;
• regular mechanical damage to the skin;
• psoriasis;
• HPV;
• eczema;
• genetic mutations;
• taking hormonal medications, immune disorders;
• exposure to aerosols containing chemicals.

By eliminating the negative factor, you can reduce the likelihood of keratoma growth.

How to distinguish a seborrheic mole from dangerous symptoms

A rough mole can frighten the wearer with its unusual appearance. Outwardly, it may resemble melanoma; only a doctor and diagnostic measures can accurately determine the type of tumor.

The main differences between seborrheic keratosis and an oncological tumor:

The dry growth is dense to the touch, like a dangerous nevus, but it does not hurt when touched, at rest. A painful syndrome can develop when irritated or damaged, then the skin around it itches, and secondary infection can occur.

If a person is accustomed to unusual spots on the body, he may miss cancer. Patients with keratosis are recommended to regularly visit a dermatologist and undergo diagnostics.

Melanoma is on the rise. Its increase occurs quickly: by 1-2 mm per month or more.

Mole removal methods

Seborrheic keratosis and other benign formations that are assessed as dangerous are usually excised. Removal serves as a prevention of degeneration or as a method of combating the early stages of dysplasia. The doctor chooses the method in accordance with the nature of the growth.

Popular and effective methods of destruction:

• laser removal. The instrument is a high power beam of light. It destroys cells, evaporating them from the surface of the skin. The advantage is maintaining the integrity of neighboring healthy tissues. Laser radiation parameters are selected individually for each patient. A crust remains at the treatment site, which comes off on its own after 7-14 days. During the procedure there is no pain and no bleeding. The laser prevents the formation of new elements. Disadvantage – lack of material for histology due to its complete destruction;
• cryodestruction. It is used in cases where the body of the growth is located in the upper layers of the epidermis. The dermatologist treats it with liquid nitrogen, which is applied to the surface and removed after 3 minutes. During the process, pain and discomfort are felt. In the first days, decomposition of the pigment is noted, the formation of a crust, which will come off after a few weeks;
• radio wave therapy. The rough element is cut off from the surface using a non-traumatic method. The main advantage is the cauterization of tissue during the incision, which prevents bleeding. Thanks to coagulation, the wound heals quickly. The technique cannot be used by patients in a feverish state, with herpes and a pacemaker;
• diathermoelectrocoagulation. The skin lesion is cut off with a red-hot metal loop. Then the area of ​​the skin affected is cauterized with a coagulator. As a result, there is no blood and the risk of infection is reduced. A crust remains at the treatment site and comes off naturally. A small mark may remain;
• surgical destruction. The most reliable way to remove a large or hanging mole. It is prescribed to the patient when other methods are powerless or a change has begun at the cellular level (the onset of melanoma). The doctor works with a scalpel, cutting off the problematic growth and the tissue underneath it. After healing, a scar remains on the surface, increasing the chance of stopping the cancer.

Symptoms of nevus malignancy

If moles become dry and rough, conduct an independent study of their condition.

Malignization is an autonomous process prone to progression and the appearance of cancerous tumors in the body. They develop by degenerating healthy cells into malignant ones.

The cell structure is rebuilt, active growth is observed - the first sign of a dangerous disease. The nevus may enlarge without other symptoms or discomfort.

Diagnosis of pathology at this stage is difficult.

With active development, the following symptoms appear:

• diameter becomes more than 6 mm;
• the surrounding skin turns red and a halo appears;
• dryness, peeling appear on the surface of the growth, the color changes from uniform to uneven with different shades and tints;
• the structure changes to a nodular pattern or the skin pattern is completely smoothed out;
• when pressed, blood, fluid or pus is released;
• itching, pain at rest or when touched;
• the form blurs and loses its outline, symmetry disappears;
• the color changes to black or colorless.

Timely detection of changes significantly increases the chances of defeating a dangerous, intractable disease.

Seborrheic keratosis appears in older people and is perceived as a natural process. Patients rarely seek help from doctors and self-medicate. Improper handling of rough growths, lack of protective and preventive measures are the main reason for violating the integrity of the tumor surface. The spot grows, hurts and bleeds.

Any skin formation requires careful examination by a specialist and regular monitoring. A malignant tumor develops rapidly and affects the entire body. You need to be careful about your health to prevent complications.

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