subject: Moles, Warts And Birthmarks [print this page] Moles and birthmarks are normal and can be found all over your body. In addition, warts are also a common skin condition that can be transferred through bodily contact. Whether you have a mole, wart or birthmark, it is important for you to monitor them to ensure that they do not get worse. Regular self-exams and trips to your Teaneck dermatologist can help prevent future complications.
Moles
Moles are very common, with almost everyone having a few and some people having many. People with light skin tend to develop more moles, with the average ranging from 10 to 40. Melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, can develop on or near a mole. Some moles can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
Large moles are shown to carry a larger risk of developing melanomas. An atypical mole is generally larger than average and irregular in shape. They can have an uneven color with mixtures of tan, brown, red and pink.
Most moles are not a cause for concern. People that acquire more than 50 to 100 moles, however, have a greater risk for developing melanoma and other skin cancers than those who have fewer moles. Performing regular self-exams can help you recognize the early warning signs for melanoma.
Warts
Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection in the top layer of skin. Usually skin-colored and rough to the touch, warts can also be smooth, dark and flat. How a wart looks depends on where it is growing. Here are a few different types of warts:
*Foot warts - usually grow on the soles of the feet and are called plantar warts.
*Common warts - generally grow on fingers, around the nails and on the backs of hands.
*Flat warts - smaller and smoother than other warts and tend to grow in large numbers.
Warts are usually passed from person to person, but can also be passed indirectly in some cases. However, the risk of catching hand, foot or flat warts from another person is still quite small.
Birthmarks
Birthmarks are areas of flat or raised discolored skin that are often seen on the body at birth or may develop shortly after birth. While there are numerous folktales claiming reasons for these marks, the reality is that the exact cause for birthmarks is unknown. Some birthmarks are only stains on the surface of your skin but others extend into the tissue under the skin or grown above the surface.
If you have a mole, birthmark or wart, it is important for you to give yourselves frequent self-exams and visit your Teaneck dermatologist for regular screenings. Though these skin conditions are often harmless, it is important for you to keep a close eye on them to avoid any future problems.
