Moles, also known as nevi, are common skin growths that most people have. These spots vary in size, shape, and color, appearing anywhere on the body. It is also common for hair to grow from moles, a phenomenon that often sparks curiosity or, at times, concern. This natural occurrence is rooted in the biological makeup of both moles and the skin itself.
Understanding Moles and Hair Growth
A mole is fundamentally a cluster of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. These cells, responsible for skin color, accumulate in a concentrated area rather than spreading evenly across the skin. Most moles are harmless collections of these cells, often appearing during childhood and adolescence.
Hair grows from structures embedded within the skin called hair follicles. These tiny sacs are present throughout most of the body’s surface. When a mole develops, it forms within the existing skin layers, often encompassing or overlaying these follicles. A mole’s presence does not impede the normal function of these underlying hair follicles.
Hair growing from a mole may appear thicker or darker than surrounding hairs due to increased pigment cells or enhanced blood supply. Some research suggests molecules within moles can stimulate more robust hair growth.
What Hair on Moles Indicates
Many people wonder if hair growth from a mole signifies something serious. The presence of hair growing from a mole is considered a reassuring sign. It often indicates that the mole is benign, meaning non-cancerous. This is because healthy hair follicles are well-nourished and active in benign moles.
In contrast, rapidly growing or atypical moles, such as melanoma, may not support healthy hair follicle function. Cancerous changes can disrupt or destroy the hair follicles within the mole. While some studies explore the origin of melanoma from melanocyte stem cells within hair follicles, the consensus is that an existing mole with healthy, growing hair is a stable, non-malignant lesion. The sight of hair on a mole should not cause alarm; however, it is always wise to monitor any mole for other changes.
Managing Hair on Moles
For individuals who find hair on their moles bothersome, several safe methods exist for removal. Trimming the hair with scissors or a small clipper is a simple and effective option. Plucking the hair with tweezers or shaving over the mole are also safe practices. These methods do not harm the mole itself or increase the risk of skin cancer. Electrolysis can be a permanent hair removal solution for moles and is considered safe, but laser hair removal on moles requires caution because lasers target pigment and can alter the mole’s appearance, making future monitoring difficult.
It is important to consult a dermatologist if you notice any suspicious changes in any mole, regardless of whether it has hair. Dermatologists advise watching for the “ABCDEs” of melanoma:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
- Border irregularity: Uneven or ragged edges.
- Color variation: Multiple shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue within the same mole.
- Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or elevation, or new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or tenderness.
Professional medical advice is crucial for any mole that exhibits these characteristics.