Moles are common skin growths, small pigmented spots varying in size, shape, and color. They form from clusters of melanocytes, cells that produce melanin, the skin’s pigment. Most people develop 10 to 40 moles during childhood and adolescence, though some appear later. Many moles are harmless, and some naturally lack hair, which is a normal variation.
What Makes a Mole Hairless?
The presence or absence of hair in a mole is determined by whether hair follicles are present and active within its tissue. Moles are collections of melanocytes, and these cells generally do not impede the function of other skin structures like hair follicles. If a mole forms in a skin area that already contains hair follicles, these follicles can continue to produce hair, leading to a hairy mole.
Conversely, a mole may be hairless if it forms in an area of the body that naturally lacks hair follicles, such as the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. Hairless moles can also occur if the mole tissue itself does not encompass active hair follicles, or if any present follicles are dormant. The skin tissue within a non-cancerous mole is healthy enough to support hair growth. Thus, a hairless mole is a natural variation and not inherently concerning.
Recognizing Concerning Features
While the absence of hair on a mole does not inherently make it more or less dangerous, certain characteristics can indicate that a mole might be atypical or potentially cancerous. It is important to monitor all moles, including hairless ones, for any changes. The ABCDEs of melanoma detection provide a useful framework for identifying suspicious moles:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
- Border: Edges are ragged, notched, or blurred, not smooth.
- Color: Multiple colors or uneven distribution (brown, black, red, white, or blue).
- Diameter: Often larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving: Any changes in size, shape, color, elevation, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding. Also, any mole that looks different from your other moles (the “ugly duckling” sign).
Care and Monitoring
Regular self-skin exams are a proactive step in monitoring moles, including those without hair. Performing a monthly head-to-toe examination in a well-lit room, using a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror, allows thorough inspection of all skin areas. Documenting any existing moles with notes or photographs can help track changes over time and identify new lesions. It is advisable to have a family member or friend assist with checking hard-to-see areas, such as the back and scalp.
If any mole exhibits concerning features based on the ABCDE guidelines, or if a new, unusual lesion appears, seeking professional medical evaluation is recommended. A general practitioner may use a dermatoscope, a handheld magnifying instrument, to examine suspicious areas. If a mole is deemed suspicious, a dermatologist may perform a biopsy, removing a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis to determine if it is cancerous. Early detection of melanoma significantly improves treatment outcomes.