Moles

I.          Definition:
 
Moles are harmless skin growths that may be flat or protruding.  They vary in color from pink flesh tones to dark brown or black.  Everyone has moles; some of us have a lot, others have only a few.  Rarely a mole can become cancerous.  If you have a mole which is marching out of step with your other moles, you should have it checked immediately by your doctor.
 
 
II.  Cause:
 
·          The number depends on our genes.  Moles sometimes appear in "crops," especially during the early teens.
 
·          No one knows why we get moles.
 
·          Pregnancy can cause moles, to get bigger, but if one is getting bigger faster then the others, have it checked by your doctor.
 
 
III.  Treatment:        
 
·          Most moles are harmless and safe to ignore. 
 
·          Treating a mole for cosmetic reasons is a simple procedure.  After numbing the skin, the projecting part of the mole is removed with scissors or a scalpel.  the wound heals to leave a flat mole, but the color generally stays the same.
 
·          Complete destruction of a mole requires removing the full thickness of skin.  The resulting scar may be more noticeable than the mole was.
 
·          Moles sometimes grow annoying coarse hair, and it may be safely removed by shaving or plucking.  Permanent removal of the hair, which has roots deep within the skin, requires electrolysis or complete surgical excision of the mole.
 
·          A mole that bleeds, markedly changes color, or has an unusual appearance should be checked by your doctor.