Moles are common on skin that is white or olive colored. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is not uncommon for people to have 10 to 40 moles by the time they reach adulthood. Although some moles occur after we are born and during childhood, other moles can first appear when we are older adults. There are a number of factors that can cause moles to develop on the skin.
Abnormal Skin Cells
According to the Cleveland Clinic, moles can be caused by skin cells or melanocytes that grow in clusters rather than throughout the skin. This can occur at any time from birth until death and result in distinctive moles. According to the Cleveland Clinic, moles may darken or become more noticeable during pregnancy or the teen years when hormones are higher. These moles may be benign for the life of the person, but they can develop into more serious skin problems such as skin cancer or melanomas. It is always a good idea to have a dermatologist look at moles during a yearly skin check.
Genetics
Genetics can also play a role in whether a person develops moles. According to the University of California, a gene called MC1R can make a person especially susceptible to developing moles that may become melanomas or moles that are cancerous. The MC1R gene is a blueprint for cells that are found in melanocytes which cause moles. Also, according to the University of California, people who are born with red hair, light skin or freckles are more susceptible to developing moles at risk for becoming cancerous.
Sun Damage
Some types of moles, such as red moles, can be caused by exposure to the sun. People who have light skin or red hair may be more prone to developing this type of moles. According to the University of California, people with light or red skin should avoid sun damage because it can actually worsen the moles and turn them into skin cancers. These fair-skinned people have less melanin in the skin which causes them to burn more easily and leads to damage that may appear like small moles. Wearing sunscreen is one way to avoid developing new moles or sun damage that can worsen moles the body may already have.
