A mole is a common skin growth formed when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment, cluster together in the skin. These typically appear as small, dark marks, though they can vary in color, shape, and size. While most moles are harmless and do not cause issues, they can indeed become infected under certain circumstances.
How Moles Become Infected
Moles can become infected when the skin barrier is compromised, allowing microorganisms like bacteria or fungi to enter. Trauma is a common cause, occurring through actions such as scratching, picking, rubbing, or minor cuts from shaving.
Constant irritation from clothing, jewelry, or tight garments can also damage the skin surface, making a mole more susceptible to infection. When the skin on or around a mole is broken, it provides an entry point for bacteria that normally reside on the skin, or for external fungi or viruses. In rare instances, an ingrown hair within a mole can also lead to irritation and subsequent infection.
Recognizing an Infected Mole
Identifying an infected mole involves looking for several specific signs. The affected area often appears noticeably red, indicating inflammation. This redness may be accompanied by swelling, causing the mole or the surrounding skin to become puffy or raised.
Pain or tenderness upon touching the mole is another common indicator of infection. A discharge of pus, which can be yellow, green, or white fluid, draining from the mole, is a clear sign of bacterial presence. The infected area may also feel warm to the touch due to increased blood flow as the body fights the infection. Persistent itching around the mole, while not exclusive to infection, can also be a symptom. In more severe cases, systemic signs like fever or chills may develop, indicating the infection is spreading beyond the localized area.
Differentiating Mole Changes
Not all changes observed in a mole indicate an infection; some might be due to simple irritation, while others could signal more serious conditions like skin cancer. Irritation, often caused by friction from clothing, can lead to redness or soreness. However, irritation typically does not involve pus, significant warmth, or systemic symptoms such as fever. If an irritated mole is left alone, the symptoms usually subside.
Distinguishing an infected mole from melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, is important. Melanoma often presents with specific changes that can be remembered using the “ABCDE” rule:
Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
Border irregularity: Uneven, notched, or blurred edges.
Color variation: Multiple colors or uneven coloring within the mole.
Diameter: Typically larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding.
While an infected mole requires medical attention, its signs are generally linked to inflammation and microbial presence, whereas melanoma involves changes in the mole’s inherent characteristics due to abnormal cell growth. Only a healthcare professional can definitively diagnose the nature of a mole’s change.
When to Consult a Doctor and Treatment Options
Prompt medical attention is advised if signs of a mole infection worsen or do not improve within a couple of days, or if there is pus, significant pain, or spreading redness. The development of fever or chills also warrants immediate medical evaluation, as these can signify a more widespread infection. Any mole change that is concerning, particularly if it aligns with the ABCDE rule, should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
A doctor will examine the mole and may take a swab for culture if an infection is suspected, to identify the specific microorganism. Treatment options vary based on the severity of the infection. Mild, localized infections might be treated with topical antibiotic ointments. For more severe or spreading infections, oral antibiotics are often prescribed.
Warm compresses can help reduce swelling and discomfort associated with the infection. In cases where an abscess has formed, drainage of the pus may be necessary. If a mole experiences recurrent infections or becomes consistently problematic, removal of the mole might be considered after the infection has cleared.