Moles, medically known as nevi, are common skin growths comprising clusters of melanocytes, which are cells responsible for producing pigment. These spots can vary in color, size, and shape, and most individuals develop between 10 and 45 moles during childhood and adolescence. While typically harmless, instances of picking or scratching a mole can occur, leading to various implications for the skin.
Immediate Physical Effects
When a mole is picked or scratched, the immediate physical effects are often similar to those of any minor skin injury. The disruption to the skin’s surface and the underlying small blood vessels can cause minor bleeding. This bleeding usually subsides within a few minutes with gentle pressure.
Localized pain or tenderness can also develop at the site of the injury due to the stimulation of nerve endings in the skin. A scab typically forms over the injured area, protecting it as the skin heals.
Understanding Potential Changes to a Mole
Beyond the immediate reactions, picking at a mole carries more significant potential implications for the skin. An open wound created by scratching or picking can provide an entry point for bacteria, leading to a skin infection. Signs of infection include increased redness, swelling, warmth around the wound, persistent pain, or the presence of pus or cloudy fluid.
Damage to the skin tissue from picking can also result in permanent scarring or alterations to the mole’s appearance. New tissue formed during healing may differ in texture or color, leading to a raised or discolored scar.
Picking can obscure malignant changes within a mole, making it challenging to distinguish between a benign injury and early melanoma. Trauma to a mole can alter its size, shape, or color, mimicking characteristics doctors monitor for potential malignancy. This interference can complicate diagnosis, as dermatologists rely on observing changes in moles over time to identify suspicious lesions.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
It is important to seek professional medical advice if certain signs appear after picking a mole. Persistent bleeding, especially if it does not stop after several minutes of direct pressure, warrants a medical evaluation.
Medical consultation is also advised if the mole does not heal within a few weeks (typically 2-4 weeks), or if it shows any unusual or concerning changes in its appearance. These changes include a new growth, irregular borders, variations in color (such as shades of brown, black, blue, or red), and an increase in size beyond 6 millimeters. Any evolution in its shape, surface, or symptoms like itching or pain that lasts beyond the initial injury also warrants attention.