The appearance of moles on the feet, as well as on any other parts of the body, cannot be prevented by any special methods. However, some moles or nevi (according to official medical terminology) can cause significant discomfort in a person's daily life. The appearance of a nevus on the foot is of particular interest to the owner, since the feet are that part of the body that is constantly subjected to external pressure due to walking and wearing shoes.
Causes of moles
The first moles in children appear all over the body after the first year of life. At the same time, the newborn baby does not have moles on the body at all. The appearance of nevi throughout life depends on various factors. For example, teenagers discover new moles during puberty and intensive restructuring of the whole organism; girls notice the appearance of nevi during pregnancy, as well as after breastfeeding andchildbirth.
The list of other causes of moles includes:
- wrong lifestyle;
- lack of ultraviolet light in the body;
- hereditary problems;
- hormonal disruptions;
- oncology and diseases of internal organs;
- frequent stressful situations and overwork.
Usually, all moles in a he althy person appear by the age of 25. From about this age, the growth of existing and the appearance of new moles stops. The reverse process occurs: the nevi gradually turn pale and decrease in size.
Mechanism of appearance of moles
The principles of the appearance of nevi on the human body do not differ, that is, a mole on the heel is no different from a mole on the cheek. The problem lies in the excess number of melanocytes produced in the layers of the dermis. Depending on how much excess of these substances was produced, one or several moles of various sizes appear in a certain place. The pigment appears on the surface of the skin and is grouped into a single formation, which is called a nevus.
Unorthodox medicine, in turn, attributes the formation of moles in a particular place to an inflammatory process or disease that is associated with this part of the body. In this case, nevi are the result of the body's struggle with the disease. According to this theory, the appearance of a spot after 25 years is different from the formation of a mole in children, which may well be a cause for concern for its carrier. Nevertheless, such a nevus most often wearsbenign in nature, therefore does not require surgical intervention.
Danger of nevi on the feet
The worst place for a mole is the soles of the feet, because they are used daily for walking, often prone to injury when wearing low-quality shoes. These factors together increase the risk of degeneration of an initially benign tumor into a malignant tumor. An even worse place for a mole on the foot is the space between the toes.
The formation of nevi in such places should alert the owner and become a reason to visit the doctor. Definitely, you should not postpone a consultation with a specialist for those who have or had relatives with skin cancer in their family. The main rule when these formations are detected is that you cannot self-medicate. Even understanding how to remove a mole at home is not considered a sufficient argument in favor of self-treatment.
Negative signs of changing moles
Some changes in the condition of the nevus are a signal to immediately visit a doctor. To such signs, experts usually rank the following:
- The appearance of a rim around a mole that differs from it in color. This also includes the appearance of red, purple or black dots inside the mole itself.
- A mole periodically or constantly burns and itchs.
- The spot has changed its structure, it has become denser than before on thissame place.
- A rapid increase in the size of a mole.
- Pain from a nevus in the center or along its edges.
- Blurry and asymmetrical borders of education.
On the question of whether it is necessary to remove moles with such signs, only a doctor can unequivocally answer. It is quite possible that these formations will simply require constant monitoring and observation in the clinic. As a rule, examinations of such formations take place once every three months.
Types of nevi on the feet
Moles on the feet are divided into four types, among which:
- Flat - harmless age spots that do not grow and do not change over the course of life.
- Hanging. Otherwise, they are also called “moles on the leg.”
- Convex and large. Their growth and formation occur in the lower layers of the dermis. Due to this, hair that is in higher skin can grow through them.
- Pigmented. Distinct in color, which ranges from black or blue to red or pink.
Black and red moles are not a cause for panic, but require examination by a specialist. Angiomas, which are bulging and pink in appearance, are mainly formed due to hormonal problems and disruption of the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. If a flat mole appears on the foot, then most likely it will not pose any danger, however, its condition should be monitored as carefully as any other.varieties of nevi.
Danger of developing melanoma
Most people, unfortunately, tend not to pay much attention to moles that appear on their feet. Even plantar nevi are rarely noticed until they begin to seriously disturb. The determination of the fact whether dangerous or non-dangerous moles in adults depends on the location of the formation. Doctors say that the feet are the part of the body where the risk of nevi degeneration into malignant ones is quite high.
Melanoma (skin cancer) can develop at any age in every person. In addition to heredity, there are a number of other factors due to which some people are more prone to skin cancer. The risk is higher for those with fair skin, as it is more prone to pigmentation.
Depending on the position of the mole on the foot, the risk of its degeneration into a tumor also varies. So, nevi on the outside of the foot and sole are much more dangerous than others. The worst location is considered to be between the third and first toes due to the higher risk of injury to the formation when running or walking.
What nevi should be removed
Some signs indicate that you will have to resort to the help of a surgeon. To determine whether a mole needs to be removed, you must first familiarize yourself with the list of signs, in the presence of which the doctor usually prescribes a surgical operation:
- Unfortunate location of the mole. Hererefers to the outer side of the sole, toes and feet.
- The presence of a bulge or "hanging leg".
- Any observed signs of the degeneration of education in melanoma.
- Interference with walking, nevus snagging of shoe parts.
The postoperative period is not painless, it is the official reason for the sick leave for disability. A mole on the heel, foot, sole or fingers, after removal, will leave a small wound that will need rest to heal as soon as possible.
Healing period after surgery
For the first two weeks, the surgical wound will seem to “pull” in a calm state. There is no need to worry in this case. The wound must be sutured, and slight discomfort implies the active action of the healing processes. With physical exertion and walking, the discomfort may be somewhat more significant.
A complete excision will heal in about four to six weeks from the date of surgery. It is strongly recommended to monitor any visual changes in the postoperative period. Thus, the risk of any possible complications after the removal of a mole on the foot is minimized.
How to remove nevi on the feet
Modern medicine offers five ways to remove moles. The appropriate option is jointly selected with the attending physician, it depends on the type and characteristics of education:
- Laser removal. Proved itself thanks to the complete absencepain and quick operation, safety and impossibility of recurrence of education.
- Scalpel. It is performed under local anesthesia. The doctor captures some of the he althy tissue. After the operation, a scar remains.
- Cryodestruction. Removal occurs under the influence of ice, carbonic acid or liquid nitrogen. The operation is good due to painlessness, but the cost is expensive.
- Electrocoagulation. By exposure to high temperatures, the mole is cauterized along with a he althy area of \u200b\u200bthe skin. Should not be performed with high pain sensitivity.
- Radiosurgery. The nevus is destroyed by the action of radioactive radiation. Completely eliminates moles, has a disinfecting effect. No complications.
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. But if you ask a doctor about how to remove a mole at home and whether it is worth it, he will definitely recommend any available operation performed by professionals.
