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Having a mole or birthmark is normal and can be found on different locations of your body. In addition to moles and birthmarks, many people may develop warts, which can be transferred from bodily contact. Whether you have a mole, birthmark or warts, it is important to pay close attention to them to make sure they do not worsen. Regular self-exams and trips to your Boynton dermatologist are important in preventing further complications. Moles Moles are common, with almost everyone having a few and some people develop hundreds. Individuals with light skin tend to have more moles, with the average ranging from 10 to 40. Melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, can develop on your near a mole. Some moles even increase the risk of developing skin cancer than others. When a person is born with a mole, the mole is called a congenital nevus. About one in 100 people are born with one or more moles, which can vary in size from small to large/giant. The large/giant congenital mole has been shows to carry a higher risk of developing a melanoma. An atypical mole is generally larger than average and irregular in shape. They tend to have uneven color with mixtures of tan, brown, red, and pink. Atypical moles often run in families, but anyone may develop these moles. Moles that appear after birth are called acquired moles and generally do not cause any concern. Those who acquire more than 50 to 100 moles, however, have a greater risk for developing melanoma than those who have fewer moles. Performing regular self-exams helps people to recognize the early warning signs of melanoma. It is recommended that everyone perform regular self-exams. When examining your moles, look for the ABCDEs of melanoma detection: • Asymmetry - one half is not like the other
• Border - irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border
• Color - varied from one area to another, shades of tan, brown, and black
• Diameter - melanomas are usually greater than 6mm
• Evolving - a mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color. Warts Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. Viruses that cause warts are called human papillomavirus (HPV). Usually skin-colored and rough to the touch, warts can also be dark, flat and smooth. The appearance of a wart depends specifically on where it is growing. There are several kinds of warts including: • Common warts - usually grow on fingers, around the nails and on the backs of the hands
• Foot Warts - are usually on the soles of the feet and are called plantar warts
• Flat Warts - smaller and smoother than other warts and tend to grow in large numbers
Usually passed from person to person, warts can also be passed indirectly in some cases. The time from the first contact to the time the warts have grown large enough to be seen is often several months. The risk of catching hand, foot, or flat warts from another person is small. Birthmarks Birthmarks are areas of flat or raised discolored skin that are often seen on the body at birth or may develop shortly after birth. While folktales claim various reasons for these blemishes, the exact causes of birthmarks are unknown. They vary in color and may be brown, tan, or black to blue, pink or red. Some birthmarks are only stains on the surface of the skin, while others extend into the tissues under the skin or grow above the surface. If you have a mole, birthmark or wart, it is important to visit your dermatologist in Boynton for regular screenings in addition to self-exams at home. Though these are often harmless, it is important to keep a close eye on your ailments, in order to prevent any further problems.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading dermatologist in Boynton, Dr. Barry Kuttner. A board certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, Dr. Kuttner is accompanied by board certified dermatologist Dr. Kathleen Herne and board certified physician assistant, Kristen Hafner providing the best in quality care available. Integrated Dermatology specializes in acne treatment, Mohs surgery and skin cancer treatment in Boynton.
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