middleAlso known as Ole- beauty mark Old Hollywood actresses (or even grandmothers) look completely natural. Even now, people draw beauty marks on her face as part of their makeup routine to add uniqueness and charm to their appearance.
However, natural moles are skin growths that appear in childhood and can persist into adulthood. These are usually small, dark spots that appear anywhere on the skin and are usually harmless. But what does it mean when hair grows on a mole?
Hairy moles may be worrisome, but are they dangerous? Dr. Paul Curtiss, an FAAD board-certified dermatologist with American Dermatology Partners in Carrollton, explains why moles grow hair, what it means, and signs you should get your mole examined.
First, what exactly is a mole?
Moles are simply collections of cells in the skin, says Dr. Curtiss. The medical term for this group of dark spots is melanocytes. According to the Mayo Clinic, most people grow between 10 and 45 moles on their skin during their childhood and teenage years. Some of these spots may remain over time, while others may disappear.
“Melanocytes are normally distributed throughout the skin and give it its natural pigment. It is normal to have multiple moles coming together early in life,” says Dr. Curtiss.
Moles can literally grow anywhere: your arms, face, ears, and even buttocks! Usually there is no need to worry, but in rare cases, birthmarks (including hairy birthmarks) can turn into cancer. Read the signs to look out for.
Why do moles grow hair?
Moles can be hairless or hairy, depending on where they typically occur on the body. If you have a mole over a hair follicle, hair will grow faster from the mole, just as it would if you had hair on a pimple.
“Mole are normal structures within our skin and do not usually interfere with other structures in the skin,” says Dr. Curtiss. “So moles in areas where there is normal hair (most areas of the body except the palms and soles) can grow hair.”
Are hairy moles a sign of cancer?
First, don't panic. A hairy mole doesn't automatically mean it's cancerous. Many people immediately assume this means melanoma (a type of skin cancer), but melanoma only accounts for 1% of skin cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.
“Normally, hair within a normal-looking mole is not a sign of cancer,” says Dr. Curtis. He says signs of a “normal” mole include:
- Uniform color – brown, tan, or black
- round or oval
- lying flat or raised against the skin
- Less than 6 mm (about ¼ inch) in diameter
Most moles are harmless and tend to stay that way. Still, it's important to know what skin cancer looks like. According to Dr. Curtiss, common signs of intramolecular melanoma include:
- Irregular or uneven shapes or borders
- Differences in color (such as going from tan to brown or black)
- The inside of the mole becomes darker (only some parts turn dark brown or black)
- change in mole size
If you notice any changes in your mole or are concerned about a new growth, talk to your doctor. They may suggest that you get tested by a dermatologist to determine if your mole is benign.
“Normally, hair inside a normal-looking mole is not a sign of cancer.” —Paul Curtiss, MD, FAAD, dermatologist
How do you get rid of hairy moles?
The hair that grows from a mole can be easily shaved, waxed, or plucked. (Make sure the method you use is gentle enough to not damage your skin.) And completely To remove the mole itself, it must be cut, according to Dr. Curtis. Mole removal is a quick procedure performed by a dermatologist for cosmetic reasons or to test whether the mole is cancerous.
Moles usually don't need to be removed, but if you're bothered by pesky hairs, removing them poses no risk, says Dr. Curtiss.
One way is if you shouldn't Still, should I try removing the mole's hair? Laser treatment, warns Dr. Curtiss.
“Treatments such as laser hair removal should be avoided over moles. This is because lasers can have difficulty focusing their energy on the hair follicles. [targeting] “Pigment in moles.” Basically, laser treatment does not remove the hair, but rather causes discoloration and can make the mole worse.
When to See a Doctor
In general, you should see a dermatologist if you have a new mole, growth, or change in shape. “It is normal for moles to appear in childhood, but the occurrence of new moles should be reduced. [as you age]“New moles that appear after age 30 may be harmless, but they will likely need to be examined by your health care provider,” says Dr. Curtiss.
Ultimately, most moles are harmless, but it's better to be safe than sorry. If you haven't had regular skin exams from a dermatologist before, now is the time to get one. They can tell you how often you should come in for check-ups and whether grooming marks are cause for concern.
frequently asked questions
Why does the fur grow thicker on moles?
As Dr. Curtiss explains, moles do not interfere with or interfere with other structures in the skin (such as hair follicles). So, if you start to get moles on strong hair roots, like your arms or chin, thick, coarse hair may start to sprout through the moles. This is why moles on the arms or legs often grow thicker hair than moles on the cheeks or stomach, which grow finer hairs.
Why do moles grow strange hairs?
It's not necessarily “weird,” but it's different. type Hair that can grow on a mole. And each mole's hair can look different depending on its location on the body. For example, white or gray hair may grow near the hairline or on the chin, especially if gray appears on other parts of the body. Black, brown, curly, or coarse hair may also appear on other parts of the body. This is especially true if your body hair is already naturally that way.
These differences in hair color and texture may also be caused by melanocytes, cells that make up the pigment in the mole. This pigment can not only make the mole a specific color, but also make the hair growing from the mole a specific color.
Do hair grow from moles? good luck.
You've probably heard the old urban legend that says growing hair from a mole is good luck. This myth originated in China with the premise that it brings luck and fortune. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence that this is true. However, this is a sign that there are healthy hair follicles underneath the mole.