Accumulation of melanocytes on a spot in the skin forms a pigmented lesion, which is called a mole. Normally these melanocytes are spread around in the skin. Sometimes they accumulate at a single place and form a colored mass. This is a mole. A mole can form at any age and on any place on the body. It can vary in the size. It can also vary in color. Sometimes moles disappear over a period of time, and sometimes a mole turns into malignant melanoma - a type of skin cancer. Let us find out more about moles.

Types Of Moles-

Moles are differentiated by their appearance and the time when they appear.

The common types are

1) Atypical Naevi

2) Halo Naevus

3) Congenital Moles

How and when do moles form?

Moles can form at any age. Some are formed at birth and are called congenital. Early childhood is the time of formation of many new moles. Moles may form at the junction of epidermis and dermis or form only in the dermis. Depending on where they form, they appear to be different. Some moles may be flat while some may be raised. Moles also form in different colors- from light brown to dark blue. The color of mole will depend upon the density or concentration of pigment in it. Sun exposure may increase the formation of moles. Birth control pills and pregnancy may also play a role in mole formation. Both sun exposure and pregnancy may also darken the color of the mole. As we age, some moles become lighter in color and many times disappear in old age. Some moles develop hair growth. This hair growth troubles few people and they may resort to hair removal methods such as electrolysis and others.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.