Moles on the skin? They are beautiful, but to keep an eye on

Dark spots that can also become a distinctive and fascinating sign, moles are not, in most cases, dangerous. But they must be controlled. That’s why.

In the eighteenth century French noblewomen wore makeup by adding them on the chin or cheeks. They were considered essential for a perfect look, but not only: depending on their location they had a different meaning. Of love, of course. In the nineteenth century courtesans used to apply some fake ones on the face or décolleté.

Small skin imperfections that, even more recently, many have wished to possess on their cheek, just like Marilyn Monroe, one of Hollywood’s most desired divas.

They are the moles, more properly called nevi, dark spots that appear on the skin and that have gained so much fame, not only thanks to Monroe. Another example? The one on Cindy Crawford’s upper lip: the speck has become an icon almost comparable to the same supermodel.

Of course the position and the discreet size can make all the difference. But these beauty spots (beauty spots, as the Americans call them) even if in most cases they are not dangerous sometimes need to be checked.

Those melanocytes a bit lively

Moles are benign proliferations of a particular type of cell, melanocytes, which have the task of producing melanin, the natural pigment that protects us from the harmful effects of sunlight.

They can be localized in any part of the body, and are rarely present from birth; They usually appear within the first years of life. And in adulthood their appearance is considered normal until about thirty years of age.

In rare cases, however, the growth of these melanocytes becomes uncontrolled and can give rise to the dreaded melanoma, a skin cancer that, if not identified in time, can bring great nasty surprises.

For this reason, a check every now and then, does not hurt. Indeed, it is highly recommended. So let’s take the ball in summer, when we discover ourselves and it is easier to stop attention on some mole that does not convince us.

But what are the criteria to understand if a mole can be dangerous? Of course, the diagnosis is up to the dermatologist, but there is a relatively simple criterion that we can all adopt. And it’s easy to remember. The first letters of the alphabet are enough.

THE ABC.. ED of prevention

The ABCDE method is based on the observation of five key parameters, which begin with these letters. A variation of one or more of them should prompt us to consult the dermatologist.

But even the sudden appearance of new moles in adulthood must be carefully evaluated. It is believed that most melanomas develop on areas of normal skin.

Some myths to dispel

It is not true that traumas and wounds transform the mole into a tumor: even if subjected to accidental and / or repeated injuries (razor cuts, rubbing due to the straps of the bra or belt and so on) the moles do not become melanomas.

It is not true that moles should not be touched in any way: a removal surgery does not represent a danger. On the contrary, it allows a more in-depth evaluation of the type of injury.

It is not true that the sun hurts anyway: it all depends on how you take it. Little sun taken every day even seems to protect against melanoma.

At least according to a study by the University of New Mexico, presented in May at the 85th national congress of the Italian Society of Medical, Surgical, Aesthetic Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (SIDeMaST).

In fact, it had already been established that it is not so much the exposure to the sun itself that hurts, as the occasional, excessive and without precautions. It is precisely the repeated sunburn, especially from 5 to 18 years, to increase the probability of developing melanomas in adulthood by 70%.

Therefore? It is always necessary to protect the skin from the sun, especially that of children and teenagers, especially during the first exposures. And then use common sense as always.

A decalogue for a safe tan

1. Apply sunscreens before going out, choosing the products with sunscreens that best suit your skin type
2. Remember that in order to count on effective protection it is necessary to continuously renew their application. In fact, sweating, baths, sand favor the disappearance of the filter, even in “waterproof” products
3. Wear a hat and sunglasses
4. If you are not yet tanned do not expose yourself to the sun for more than 45 minutes a day
5. Avoid the hottest hours: between 11.00 and 16.00
6. During these hours do not expose children under the age of 3, even if protected by sunscreen
7. Don’t forget that sunstrokes are not only on the beach
8. Pay attention to circumstances that reduce the perception of the sun (altitude, fresh wind, clouds) and remember that snow reflects more than 80% of UV rays, but also sand reflects more than 25%. So, even under the umbrella we are not completely sheltered
9. Beware of medications you take, often increase susceptibility to the sun
10. Attention also to exposure to artificial UV rays (sunbeds and solar showers): it has been calculated that if you exceed 10 sessions a year the risk of melanoma in people over 30 years increases by 2 times.

Blondes and reds risk more

Risk factors for the development of melanoma are only partially known. In addition to a family predisposition, the skin type undoubtedly plays.

Those who have red or blond hair, freckles, very fair skin and who tan with difficulty, while burning easily, are more exposed.

However, it was seen that among those who developed melanomas, many had sunburns at a young age or had shown an increase in the number of nevi following exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Attention is the best ally

The most effective protection therefore remains a careful observation of one’s own skin. After showering or bathing, we get into the habit of looking in the mirror not only to see if that extra pound is gone or if a few more wrinkles have appeared.

Instead, we also carefully observe our small “beauty spots”. We check that they do not change their appearance and above all that no new ones appear: eight times out of ten, a melanoma develops without the pre-existence of any mole.

And which parts of the body to examine most carefully? The most common sites where melanomas develop are the head, neck and trunk for men, limbs for women.

But the most insidious injuries are those that normally escape our attention, such as the scalp or the folds between the toes.