There are many different types of moles.
What most people think of are brown spots on the skin called melanocyte nevus or pigment nevus .
Then it is the pigment cells (melanocytes) that are increased in an area.
Other types of moles have an overgrowth of other cell types.
Exactly why this happens is not entirely known.
One percent of us are born with one or more melanocytic nevi.
It is normal to develop multiple moles as a child and young adult.
After the age of 40, it is not usual to get new moles and one should pay extra attention to them and see a doctor to rule out melanoma (often called mole cancer).
Perhaps it is rather age-related changes such as seborrheic keratosis or pigment spots due to sun exposure, but you have to be sure of that.
The moles we develop in childhood usually remain, while those we develop later tend to disappear over the years.
A mole with a white ring around it, so-called halo nevus , is on its way to disappearing.
People with light skin tend to develop more melanocyte nevi than people with darker skin.
Melanocytic nevi can also be skin colored, pink and can protrude from the skin.
Some moles are congenital while others develop afterwards.
Exactly why this happens is not entirely known.
The birthmarks we eventually get are often more due to sun exposure.
Moles do not require any treatment or removal.
Removal is only necessary if a malignant skin change is suspected .
If you want to remove a mole because it is perceived as embarrassing, you must consider whether the scar will be less embarrassing than the mole.
It is not dangerous if a mole is irritated by trousers, bras or the like.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
