Depending on your point of view and its location, a mole can be regarded as a beauty mark or an unwanted imperfection. Moles (nevi) are clusters of pigmented cells that often appear as small, dark brown spots. They can develop virtually anywhere on your body. Moles that are present at birth (congenital nevi) are called birthmarks. Most moles are harmless.
Considerations
Moles can appear anywhere from head to toe. They can develop on your scalp, armpits, torso and legs. New moles can appear well into adulthood, while some moles may fade as you get older. The average person has between 10 and 40 moles, but some people have more than 100. People with large moles present at birth and those with more than 20 moles are at a higher risk of deadly form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma.
Appearance
The average mole is a brownish, oval or round spot about a quarter-inch long, but they can come in a number of colors and shapes. Moles may be barely visible to the eye or large enough to cover part of an arm or leg. The surface of a mole can be smooth and flat or wrinkled and raised. It can change over time.
Monitoring Moles
There are certain periods in your life when moles may become darker, larger and more numerous. This is often due to hormonal changes that occur during adolescence and pregnancy. While these kinds of changes are natural, abnormal changes in the appearance of a mole can be a cause for concern.
Precautions
See your dermatologist if you're older than 20 and a new mole develops. The American Academy of Dermatology says signs of concerns include pain, itching, burning, bleeding and a sudden change in the color, size, shape or elevation of a mole. A malignancy may appear as a transparent growth with rolled edges, flat lesions that feel hard or a cluster of shiny red or pink lesions.
Prevention/Solution
There are steps you can to guard against cancerous changes in your moles. Limit your sun exposure during peak times of the day--10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when ultraviolet rays are strongest. Always apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 about 30 minutes before you head outdoors. You can further protect your skin by wearing wide-brimmed hats and protective clothing, such as long sleeved shirts.
