Moles (nevi) are common skin growths, essentially clusters of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
Understanding Moles
Moles are formed when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, cluster together instead of distributing evenly across the skin.
Moles can present in a variety of colors, including shades of brown, tan, black, blue, red, or pink. Their shapes are often oval or round, and their size generally remains under 6 millimeters, roughly the diameter of a pencil eraser. While they can appear anywhere on the body, the majority of moles are harmless and do not pose a health concern.
Do Moles Regrow After Injury?
When a mole is partially removed or irritated, such as by scratching it off, the remaining melanocytes can cause the mole to appear as though it has “grown back.” This happens because scratching or picking typically does not remove the entire mole, especially its deeper components or “root.” If some mole cells are left behind after an injury, they can continue to proliferate, leading to its reappearance.
Regrowth after incomplete removal is usually not a sign of a concerning condition; it simply means the original cluster of cells was not entirely eliminated.
Dangers of Self-Removal
Attempting to scratch off or otherwise self-remove moles carries several significant risks. Open wounds resulting from such actions are susceptible to bacterial infections, which can lead to complications. Improper removal techniques can also result in permanent and disfiguring scars on the skin. Additionally, moles can bleed considerably when injured, potentially causing discomfort and further skin damage.
Beyond these immediate concerns, a primary danger of self-removal is the destruction of the tissue sample. Without this sample, a medical professional cannot analyze the mole for signs of skin cancer, specifically melanoma, potentially delaying a life-saving diagnosis. While scratching a mole does not cause cancer, it can obscure the ability to properly assess its nature, which is a substantial drawback.
Professional Mole Evaluation and Care
Given the potential for complications and the importance of accurate diagnosis, professional evaluation by a dermatologist is the appropriate course of action for any concerns about moles. Dermatologists use a standardized method known as the ABCDE rule to assess moles for characteristics that might indicate melanoma. This rule helps identify subtle changes that might not be apparent to an untrained eye.
The ABCDE criteria include:
Asymmetry, where one half of the mole does not mirror the other.
Border irregularity, referring to uneven, jagged, or blurred edges.
Color variation, meaning the mole displays multiple shades.
Diameter concerns moles larger than 6 millimeters.
Evolution, referring to any changes in size, shape, color, elevation, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding.
If a mole requires removal, dermatologists employ safe and effective methods such as surgical excision, which removes the entire mole, or shave excision for raised moles, ensuring proper care and minimizing risks.