Moles are common and usually benign. In rare cases, however, some moles could potentially become cancerous; therefore clients may opt to have them removed as soon as possible.
Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin (pigment) in hair follicles to eliminate them and stop future growth, but can this same process harm moles?
Moles that are darker in color
Moles (nevi) are areas of darker pigmentation present at birth or that appear later. Moles come in all colors and sizes; most are harmless but some can develop precancerous changes requiring treatment from your dermatologist. It is important to regularly inspect your moles for any changes; if one appears suspicious it should be brought up with him/her for consideration of removal by their specialist.
Many people mistakenly believe that any change to a mole’s color, even its darkening, as being indicative of cancer. Moles may darken from sun exposure or simply over time due to pigment changes – all factors which could play a part. Dysplastic nevi are especially concerning, since they have an increased risk of becoming malignant melanoma.
Atypical moles typically fall in either brown or black hues, though other hues such as pink, red, white and blue may also exist. Raised moles may have bumpy surfaces while some even possess an asymmetrical form where only one side if their mole matches up perfectly with another side. It is important to monitor your moles regularly for signs of changes or evolution which could indicate potential signs of melanomas.
Though abnormal moles can be surgically removed, to determine their cancerous nature a biopsy must first take place. A minor procedure that entails shaving the mole and sending it for analysis by an experienced doctor.
Laser hair removal is a promising method for eliminating unsightly moles, but can be dangerous if your mole is malignant or precancerous. Before embarking on any laser hair removal treatments it is crucial to consult a dermatologist first and have any suspicious moles examined thoroughly by them before proceeding with laser hair removal treatments.
If you have multiple moles on your body, it is wise to limit sun exposure as much as possible. Wearing protective measures such as wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves and sunscreen may help lower UV radiation exposure. Furthermore, be careful when shaving; certain razors can irritate skin or aggravate moles on your skin.
Moles that are larger
Everyone has moles on their bodies; some larger than others. Although most moles are harmless, if they change color or shape they could potentially become cancerous and must therefore be monitored closely and checked out regularly by healthcare providers to ensure your wellbeing and safety. To stay safe it’s advisable to book regular skin screening appointments with healthcare professionals to stay safe.
Moles are clusters of darker pigmented cells called melanocytes which produce natural pigment that gives your skin its color. Moles typically feature small oval or round structures but may also be flat or raised depending on where they form on your body; most frequently on arms, legs, face and feet where most moles tend to reside; they typically range in hue from brown or black hues but other variations such as tan white blue red can occur; an abundance of moles indicates an increased risk for melanomas.
Most moles are benign and do not need treatment; however, if any changes in them arise that warrant medical intervention it is vital that they are seen by a dermatologist immediately. This is especially important if the mole is becoming itchy or painful or burning/cratering over. Furthermore, it would be prudent to photograph all your moles using ruler and date stamp for tracking purposes and thus keeping track of changes to shape size or color as well.
Moles may develop into melanoma from time to time; however, it’s rare. A main risk factor for developing this cancerous growth is having over 50 moles; having multiple moles could indicate genetic disorders that increase your chance of getting melanomas; however regular self-checks and medical exams should still be done as part of regular healthcare check-ups and examinations are recommended.
If you have an unsightly mole, health care providers are equipped with special laser devices to quickly remove it without harming nearby skin cells or leaving scars behind. In most cases, insurance covers this procedure without leaving scars behind; recovery can usually occur within weeks; it is however vital that sunlight protection be provided in order to stop further growth of moles.
Moles that are flat
Moles are common and usually harmless (non-cancerous). But flat moles may indicate melanomas or another type of skin cancer; though pigmented flat moles rarely become malignant. Removal techniques typically include surgical excision or shave excision; it’s important to monitor any flat-shaped moles regularly if they change, seeing a dermatologist should any changes be noted.
Atypical or dysplastic moles tend to be benign but can sometimes transition into melanomas over time. Atypical moles feature several distinguishing features from standard benign moles, including an asymmetrical shape, even borders, multiple colors or very dark pigmentation, changing size or shape over time, raised edges or becoming raised over time – these traits should all be evaluated by a medical provider as soon as possible.
Consistent examination of children and adolescents’ skin is especially crucial, since their bodies are still developing and can be more vulnerable to cancerous or precancerous moles that often appear within the first 20 years of life. A combination of self-checks and visits to a dermatologist will allow early detection.
Melanoma cases are most frequently linked with sun exposure. To reduce the risk of this cancer, it’s vitally important to wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy or overcast days, with at least an SPF 30 sunscreen product being recommended for daily wear.
Laser hair removal treatments involve beams of light that target pigmented cells within the skin, so using one on moles with more pigment than its surroundings would likely cause them to lift off, potentially leading to itchy or blistered patches for up to two weeks.
Dermatologists assess whether moles should be biopsied or removed based on various symptoms and signs, including asymmetry, uneven color or border, changes in shape or size, elevation or evolution as well as if it hurts or bleeds.
Moles that are swollen
Moles that have become swollen may be an early telltale sign of skin cancer or another medical issue. A swollen mole may be painful to the touch if located near joints; they can even become infected and lead to blisters forming around its edges. Luckily, treatment options exist for these moles and visiting a dermatologist is often recommended as one of them.
Moles are common on our bodies and most aren’t harmful; however, it is still important to regularly examine moles and any pigmented spots (freckles or age spots) for any changes which could indicate skin cancer, particularly melanomas. Also consider limiting exposure to sunlight and wearing sunscreen daily as prevention measures.
If a mole changes its appearance, it is crucial that it is assessed immediately by a dermatologist. They can perform a skin biopsy immediately to ascertain whether it is benign or potentially malignant melanoma and remove early stage lesions for increased survival rates.
An effective way to remove moles is through the use of laser devices which heat and damage cells that produce melanin in your skin, although this may also alter its structure and alter its appearance resulting in mole-like marks being left behind.
Due to this reason, it is vitally important that moles be covered during laser hair removal sessions. A white pencil, such as white kohl eyeliner pencil, can easily do just this and will prevent laser from targeting mole and leading to accidental burns.
When contemplating getting a tattoo or laser hair removal session, it is a good idea to consult a dermatologist first. He or she can offer guidance as to whether this decision is safe and provide advice on how best to care for yourself post-procedure. In addition, they may recommend an experienced specialist that can reduce risk while achieving successful outcomes for these procedures. If you require any removal moles services please reach out Franklin Skin and Laser located in Franklin Tennessee TN.
