I have heard from elders that having a mole on a particular part of the body has some meaning. Some people believe that having a mole in the palm shows your powerful economic status. They can mean different things in different cultures. However, why do we have these moles on our skin and is there any reason for them?

Let us also share with you the rest of the information related to these moles in this article.

What are moles?

Moles are a concentration of melanocytes – the skin cells responsible for the colour of our skin. When melanocytes fail to spread evenly and instead grow in clusters, the skin there often changes colour.

They can appear in colours like tan, brown, black, pink, red and blue. These can be congenital or formed due to exposure to the sun.

Why are there moles?

These are caused by melanocytes, but due to which melanocytes are formed, no clear information can be found. It is believed that ultraviolet radiation, however, acts as a catalyst, because UV radiation triggers the formation of these melanocytes, which cause our skin to change colour when exposed to the sun.

Additionally, genetics also play a major role. In some families every member has moles. Some research suggests that sex-specific genes are responsible for differences in where moles typically appear on females (lower limbs) and males (upper body, neck, and scalp).

Hormones also affect melanocytes, with new moles often appearing and disappearing around puberty, pregnancy, and other major hormonal fluctuations.

How many types of the mole are there?

There are many types of sesame seeds. They are classified based on how they appear and their risk of becoming cancerous.

Congenital moles

These are also called birthmarks and can be of different shapes, sizes and colours. These birthmarks can be treated with cosmetic treatments

Acquired moles

They can appear anywhere on the skin and fair-skinned people can have many moles on their skin. They can be round, smooth, rough, of different colours and some even have hairs.

Atypical moles

These moles also appear anywhere on your body. They are more visible on the neck, head and scalp. Benign atypical moles may have some of the same characteristics as melanoma (a type of skin cancer). Therefore, it is important to get regular skin exams and monitor any changes in your mole.

Atypical moles have the potential to become cancerous. But some research has found that only 1 in 10,000 abnormal moles can turn into cancer.

Are moles normal?

These are completely normal and can happen to anyone. People with lighter skin are more likely to have moles. Many children are born with moles and they can occur anytime from childhood to puberty ie up to 30 years of age. Its size and colour keep changing with time.

Can moles cause problems?

These moles raised in the skin are not dangerous. However, their sudden appearance after an age can be worrying. If you have a large mole in any part of your body which is causing pain, then you must contact your doctor.

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