Mulling over moles: Types, treatments and meanings of beauty marks

For this month's health column, we will explore all things mole related:

What causes moles?

Most moles are caused by melanocytes clustering in clumps.

Are there different kinds of moles?

There are four types of moles: junctional, intradermal, compound and blue.

1) Junctional moles are at the junction of the epidermis and the dermis. They commonly occur on the palms, lips and outside the genitals. Their surface is flat or slightly raised. They can be light brown, dark brown or black-blue. This kind of mole can be cancerous and lead to melanoma.

2) Intradermal moles exist in the dermis. They have a smooth surface and a clear boundary. The size is more than 1 millimeter, and they grow in lamellar shapes.

3) A mixture of junctional and intradermal moles, compound moles share features with intradermal moles. Because they have the composition of junctional moles, they can carry the risk of turning cancerous.

4) Blue moles are so named for their bluish color. They often occur during childhood, surfacing on the arms, hands and feet. In most cases they are benign.

How often should a mole be checked?

With increased air pollution, ozone depletion, computer radiation and many other factors, the risk of mole lesions is also rising. In order to improve awareness of prevention, patients with moles should have a professional examination at least once a year to check for changes.

What should I do if a mole on my body gets ripped?

If it stops bleeding, heals soon and no pain or itching is experienced, there’s no need to worry. If it doesn’t heal for a long time, feels painful or has lumps inside, consult a doctor.

How are moles treated?

There are two methods for mole removal: medicines and lasers. Given laser removal’s ease and effectiveness, most patients choose this method of removal. Healing time post-procedure ranges from seven to 15 days, depending on the kind of mole and patient’s body type.

// Dr. Li Li from HarMoniCare Shenzhen Women & Children’s Hospital, 12018 Shennan Dadao, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 深圳市南山区深南大道12018号 (0755-3391 9122)