A lot of people have birthmarks on their bodies, some you don't even notice for your whole life and don't have to do anything about them, and some can be very dangerous. "It depends on the type of birthmark, people with light hair and blue eyes are more at risk. Everyone has a certain amount of ultraviolet radiation that they can get into their body during their lifetime. By frequent sunburn, people can endanger their health and risk one of the most malignant tumours - malignant melanoma," says dermatologist Edita Kaiserová, MD.
Protect them from the sun
Many people have misconceptions about how to protect moles from the sun. It is not advisable to re-glue it as it may peel and sweat. "I recommend applying a SPF of at least 30 or 50 to your mole at least half an hour before tanning," says Dr Kaiser.
When to have moles examined
Just because you have moles doesn't mean you have to run around getting them checked several times a year. Just once is enough, but if you suspect that it has changed, its edges are irregular, its colouring is inconsistent or it is larger than it was, see a dermatologist. You should pay attention to these things. The help is the so-called. ABCDE Rule:
- And as asymmetry (asymmetry)
- B as a boundary (borders)
- C for colour
- D as dimension (diameter)
- E for evolution
"Today there are two types of pigmented moles - superficial, so-called. flat moles or spots, or convex moles, known as "lentigines". Those that itch, sting, swell or bleed are also at risk. Similarly, have your moles checked by a dermatologist even if there has been a mechanical scratch," explains Dr Kaiser.
Examination
The examination is performed in our clinic using the most modern and innovative method, namely the Foto Finder digital dermatoscope. It checks your current status and can even compare changes once you've taken it.
The Photo Finder allows you to magnify the moles 20 to 70 times, to capture and colour-code any change, whether it's an individual mole or the whole body. The examination takes about half an hour. If we find a mole at risk, we will recommend an appropriate method for removing it.
Removal is advisable after the summer
During the summer, moles are removed rather exceptionally, because you can not go out in the sun with them after the procedure. You can't even bathe, which is a considerable discomfort. It is therefore always recommended to remove moles only at a time when the skin is not exposed to direct sunlight.
"Depending on the type and size of the mole, we decide to remove it either by laser or surgery. Flat, smaller and safe moles are usually removed with a laser, when the brown spot becomes an inconspicuous flat scar. We can also remove convex moles with the laser, but they must be less than 2 mm in diameter and must not be a risk mole. In this case, or if the mole is larger, we recommend surgical removal followed by histological analysis," describes MUDr. Edita Kaiserová.
Pigment spots are an aesthetic problem
They are not pretty to look at and are literally mainly an aesthetic problem. "Pigment spots can form from different kinds of drugs. They contain chemicals that, when combined with the sun, create dark spots on the skin. The cause can also be cosmetics, perfumes or improper food. All this in the aforementioned combination with the sun. We should avoid not only the summer sun, but also, for example, the harsh spring sun or the sun's rays when skiing, and apply higher factors," adds Dr. Kaiser.
They can be removed in several ways. Laser, chemical peeling or pulsed light. Your doctor will decide which method is best for you.
