Types of Moles: What to Do If a Mole Is Injured

Moles (nevi) are benign skin growths that usually do not pose a risk. However, there are cases when a mole may be injured due to friction with clothing, jewelry, or nails.

This can cause concern, as many people believe that injuring a mole is always dangerous.

The main possible effects of mole injury include mild or, in some cases, more noticeable bleeding, inflammation and redness in the injured area, as well as pain or itching at the site of injury. Despite these symptoms, there is no need to panic.

What Should You Do Immediately After Accidentally Injuring a Mole?

Treat the injured area with an antiseptic, such as chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide.

Cover the injured area with a sterile dressing.

Over the next few days, apply a regenerating cream to the area, such as dexpanthenol or zinc-containing creams.

Consult a dermatologist for a dermoscopic examination.

Moles are benign melanocytic neoplasms. They are classified as congenital and acquired nevi (moles).

Congenital Nevi

Small: < 1.5 cm

Medium: 1.5-19.9 cm

Large or giant: >= 20 cm

Junctional Nevus: A brown mole with a fine pigment network.

Dysplastic Nevus: An asymmetric mole with different colors and irregular borders.

Blue Nevus: A blue to gray mole, flat or dome-shaped.

Miescher Nevus: A flesh-colored mole, usually firm, round, smooth, and sometimes covered with fine hair. It is commonly found on the face and may increase in size with age.

Unna Nevus: A soft, brown mole that resembles a Miescher nevus. It is usually located on the trunk.

Meyerson Nevus: An eczematized mole characterized by itching and changes in the mole.

Halo Nevus: A mole surrounded by a depigmented ring. Over time, the central mole may begin to fade, changing from brown to pink before disappearing completely.

Spitz Nevus: A raised, pink, dome-shaped mole that usually appears before the age of 20.

Reed Nevus: The pigmented variant of a Spitz nevus, usually flatter against the skin. It may appear dark brown or black. These moles can grow quickly and resemble melanoma.

Nevus Sebaceus: A common skin hamartoma located on the head or neck. It develops in early childhood as a yellowish-orange, raised skin lesion.

Nevus of Ota and Nevus of Ito: Rare forms of dermal melanocytosis.

When to See a Doctor

• If the mole has changed color or become uneven.

• If it has grown rapidly in size.

• If the borders have become uneven and irregular.

• If intense itching, burning, or pain has developed.

• If the mole is frequently injured in the same area, which in very rare cases may activate pathological processes, such as transformation into melanoma.

Elvi Med Innovation Dermatology Center provides early melanoma detection and prevention, as well as dermoscopic diagnosis of moles and other skin lesions. The center is the exclusive representative of FotoFinder in Armenia and the region.

FotoFinder is a German company that has been developing advanced solutions for skin surface imaging for more than 20 years and is a global leader in digital dermoscopy.