Moles are common and, while they can be a sign of a deadly skin cancer called melanoma, most of them are harmless, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The darkened areas of skin we call moles are simply a collection of melanocytes, which are the cells that give us skin pigmentation or color. Moles can have hair, but those that do aren't normally cause for concern, the AAD notes. It is, however, important to be aware of any changes in your moles by doing self-examinations and having a doctor look at them regularly.
How Hair Grows on a Mole
Even though the skin of a mole appears to be different, it has the same features as other areas of the skin, which means it can have hair follicles and grow hair. If a mole contains such follicles, and they are healthy, hair pushes through the surface of the skin or epidermis as a natural progression of the epidermal system.
A Normal Mole with Hair
Normal moles or those considered "medically innocuous" can have hair or not, according to Dr. Frank Bures, a Winona, Minnesota, dermatologist. Moles that are present from birth are called congenital and those that appear later in life are known as acquired. Either of these can have hair follicles from the start and grow hair, or they can have dormant follicles that don't grow hair until a later time.
Common Misconceptions
According to Professor James Ferguson, a consultant dermatologist and head of the photobiology unit at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, Scotland, moles with hair do not have a higher risk of developing into skin cancer. There is also no evidence that removing hair from a mole by shaving, plucking, waxing or electrolysis will cause it to become cancerous.
Removing a Hairy Mole
Moles are generally removed by a procedure called a surgical excision, which is performed in a doctor's office. A local anesthetic is introduced at the mole site. The doctor cuts out the entire mole and then stitches the skin closed. Moles can also be removed with a surgical blade that shaves off the mole, according to the AAD. Depending on the nature of the mole, the physician may perform a biopsy on the tissue to rule out any malignancy.
Warnings
If a mole, regardless of the presence of hair, has suddenly appeared or an existing one has changed in size, shape or color, or is itchy and irritated, see a physician as soon as possible. Never attempt to remove a mole yourself. If you accidentally shave off a portion of a mole, treat it as you would any other cut by cleaning it, applying antiseptic and covering it for protection. See a doctor if it does not heal properly.
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