Things you need to know about birthmarks (Moles)!

We all have different types of moles on our bodies, right? Some of them are born with us, while others develop over time. Among these , moles are something that many people have. Medically, they are also called nevus or nevi . However, some people are a little scared because they don't know much about these birthmarks. So today, let's talk about what these birthmarks are and how we should take care of them.

What are moles? How do they appear?

Simply put, birthmarks are growths that form on the surface of your skin. They can be the same color as your skin, or they can be brown or black. Birthmarks can be solitary or clustered together, meaning they can appear anywhere on your body, as well as on mucous membranes like the inside of your mouth and eyes. Birthmarks often start appearing in childhood . They become more noticeable around the age of 20. It is common for an adult to have between 10 and 40 birthmarks. The average lifespan of a birthmark is about 50 years. Over time, these birthmarks change. Some may become slightly raised and lighter in color. You may have even noticed that some birthmarks have hair follicles. Some birthmarks remain unchanged, while others fade over time.

Are there types of birthmarks?

Yes, there are different types of birthmarks. Let's see what the main types are:

Common Nevi

These are the most common, harmless birthmarks we see. They can be pink, light brown, or dark brown. The edges of these spots are clearly visible.

Congenital Nevi

These are birthmarks that are present on your skin from birth . They are also called congenital nevi . About one in 100 people have these birthmarks. These birthmarks are slightly more likely to develop into melanoma , a type of skin cancer, than other birthmarks. If your birthmark is larger than 8 millimeters, it is more likely to be cancerous.

Dysplastic Nevi (Potentially Dangerous)

These moles are usually larger than a pencil eraser and have an irregular shape. These are called dysplastic nevi . The color of these moles is not uniform. They may be dark brown in the center, but the edges may be lighter and irregular. These moles are often hereditary. This means that if someone in your family has them, you are more likely to get them. People with these moles may have more than 100 moles on their body. If you have these types of 'dysplastic nevi' , you are more likely to develop a dangerous type of skin cancer called 'melanoma' . Therefore, any changes in one of your birthmarksIf you see it, it's definitely worth seeing a dermatologist for an examination.

How common are birthmarks? Where do they usually occur?

Birthmarks are very common . Most people have between 10 and 40. Most birthmarks occur on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun . That is, where the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation hits. You may have noticed that new spots appear when you spend a lot of time in the sun.

Some common questions about birthmarks

• Are birthmarks contagious?

No, birthmarks are not contagious .

• Do birthmarks hurt?

Birthmarks usually don't hurt. However, if your birthmark hurts or you feel pain , you should definitely see a dermatologist.

• Do birthmarks itch?

If you scratch a birthmark, that's also a sign that you should see a doctor.

• Is it normal for birthmarks to bleed?

No, if a birthmark is bleeding, that's definitely something you should see a doctor about.

Are 'Pigmented Lesion' the same as birthmarks?

Pigmented lesions are a general term that includes common birthmarks, sun freckles, and age spots (lentigines). Most of these spots do not turn into cancer, but if you have a lot of them or if they look unusual , it is important to have your skin checked regularly by a dermatologist. This will help you identify any changes in your "suspicious" spots. If you see any changes, your doctor may do a skin biopsy . This involves taking a small sample of the spot and examining it under a microscope. This will help determine if the spot is benign, melanoma, or another type of skin cancer.

What to do if a new birthmark appears after the age of 30?

If you're over 30 and have a new mole, keep an eye on it . It's probably harmless, but definitely show it to your doctor.

Why do we get birthmarks? (Causes)

Birthmarks are formed when a type of cell in our skin grows together in a cluster. These cells are called 'melanocytes' . These 'melanocytes' produce the pigment that gives our skin its color. So, when these cells gather in one place, they look like a birthmark.

What are the risk factors for increasing birthmarks?

The main thing is excessive sun exposure .

What causes birthmarks to turn black?

Birthmarks may darken with sun exposure, during pregnancy, and during puberty.During pregnancy, hormonal changes such as changing the color and size of moles can occur evenly. However, if a mole appears to be changing irregularly or only on one side , it should be seen by a dermatologist.

Why should we care about birthmarks on our skin?

Our skin is the largest organ in our body. It's also one of the few organs we can see. Being proactive about protecting yourself from skin cancer is important for your health, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• If you have very fair skin .
• If you have a lot of birthmarks on your body.
• If your immediate family members have many birthmarks, unusual spots, or a history of skin cancer .

In addition to limiting sun exposure and wearing sunscreen every time you go out, regularly checking your moles can increase your chances of detecting and treating melanoma and other skin cancers early .

Dermatologists recommend checking your skin at least once a month . Most moles are non-cancerous. However, if you notice a change in the color or appearance of a mole, you should see a doctor. You should also tell your doctor about any moles that bleed, ooze, itch, crust, or become painful.

What should we look for when examining birthmarks? (ABCDE method)

Most moles are harmless. The ones that should be medically investigated are those that look different from other moles on your body (also called an "ugly duckling sign") and those that appear new after the age of 30. If you notice any changes in the color, thickness, size, or shape of a mole, you should see a dermatologist. Also, be aware of any moles that bleed, ooze, itch, crust, hurt, or are painful. Check your skin with a mirror or ask someone for help. Pay special attention to areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, legs (especially in women), chest, and back (especially in men). The ABCDE method is a way to identify moles that could be cancerous. If any of the following signs are present on your mole, see a dermatologist right away :

• A - Asymmetry: If one side of your birthmark is not the same as the other. If you divide it in half, the two sides are not the same.
• B - Border: If the edge or border of the mole is unclear, blurred, or irregular.
• C - Color:If the mole is not a uniform color, but a mixture of different colors (such as light brown, dark brown, black, blue, white, red).
• D - Diameter: If the diameter of the spot is larger than a pencil eraser (about 6 millimeters).
• E - Elevation /Evolution: If the mole was previously flat and suddenly rises, or if the mole changes rapidly in appearance, size, or shape within a short period of time.

Melanoma is most common on the back in men. It is most common on the lower legs in women. Melanoma is the most common type of cancer in women between the ages of 25-29. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this.

What does a dermatologist do if they are suspicious of a birthmark?

Normal, benign moles do not need to be removed (they can leave a scar). If your dermatologist is suspicious about a mole, they will do a skin biopsy . This means taking a small sample of the mole and examining it under a microscope. A diagnosis can usually be made within a week. If the mole is confirmed to be cancerous, it should be removed completely . If you think a mole is changing, or if you notice any suspicious features, please see a dermatologist to have the mole examined.

Do you really want to remove birthmarks? How do you remove them?

A normal birthmark does not need to be removed. If you do, it will most likely leave a scar. Never try to remove a birthmark yourself. There are people who try to remove birthmarks and warts with certain creams, burns, freezing, and laser methods that you can buy from pharmacies. If you do, not only can you get an infection, but you can also unknowingly remove a skin cancer like melanoma, which can be a big problem . Skin cancer, if not detected early, can spread to other organs. Recognizing an unusual birthmark is the only way to prevent it. Therefore, professional medical advice is essential .

Can birthmarks be treated at home?

Doctors recommend not using any home remedies for moles . If you have any concerns, talk to a dermatologist.

What complications can arise from birthmarks?

The most important complication is that some birthmarks can develop into a skin cancer called melanoma .

Can birthmarks be prevented? How to protect your skin?

Since moles are natural growths on the skin, they can't be completely prevented . However, you can be proactive in protecting yourself (or detecting skin cancer early). Here's how:

• Limit your exposure to the sun.Be careful of the strong sun, especially between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Use sunscreen (at least SPF 30) every day.
• Check your moles at least once a month and see if there are any abnormalities .

Doing these things is very important for your health, especially if you have fair skin, a lot of spots on your body, or if someone in your family has had skin cancer.

How should I check my birthmarks?

Do skin self-examinations every month. It's best to do this after bathing, when your skin is still damp.

• If possible, use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror for close-up viewing.
• Ask a family member to help you take care of hard-to-see areas like the outside.
• Try to check the same way every month, so you don't miss anything.
• Look from the head down. Look at every part of the body (front, back, sides, even the nails).
• And don't forget about the "hidden" places : between the fingers, between the toes , in the groin area, on the soles of the feet, and behind the knees.
• Check your scalp and neck carefully.
• Keep a record of every spot on your body and how it looks. If possible, take a photo with a ruler and date it. That way, you can easily identify if the spots are changing.
• If they change in any way (color, shape, size, border, etc.), or if a sore develops that doesn't heal, see a dermatologist . Also, tell your doctor about any new spots that you suspect.

Remember, always be suspicious of any new mole that appears after the age of 30. Most growths after the age of 30 are harmless and may be a normal part of aging. However, if you notice a new growth, be sure to show it to a doctor. He or she will examine it and, if necessary, perform a skin biopsy .

Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, including on mucous membranes such as the mouth, eyes, and genitals. If you have had melanoma before (or have a strong family history), it is a good idea to have your dentist, eye doctor, and gynecologist check these areas for moles annually , in addition to regular checkups with a dermatologist.

Take-Home Message: What you need to remember from what we've talked about

Okay, so let's simply remind you of the things we've talked about that you need to keep in mind:

• Moles are a common occurrence for many people. Don't worry, most are harmless.
• Pay attention to the spots on your body. Check yourself at least once a month, or have someone you trust check them.
• Remember those ABCDE characteristics we talked about. In a spot:
• A symmetry (Aren't both sides equal?)
• B order (Is the border irregular?)
• Color (Isn't the color the same, are there different colors?)
• Diameter (bigger than a pencil eraser?)
• Evolution (changing rapidly, emerging?)

...If you have any of the following symptoms, see a dermatologist immediately.

• Be especially careful about new spots that appear after the age of 30 .
• Never try to remove birthmarks at home. It can cause more damage.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen and limit your exposure to strong sunlight.

If you have any doubts or concerns about your birthmarks, don't keep them to yourself and talk to a doctor . That's the best thing to do!

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` Birthmarks, Moles, Skin Cancer, Melanoma, Dermatology, Skin Spots, ABCDE, Nevus, Skin Health