A doctor explains the difference between a mole and a blemish and how to tell them apart in an easy-to-understand manner.
Please use this column as a source of information about the contents of this column, although we do not offer mole treatment at this time. (We do offer blemish treatment.)
"Is this a mole? Is it a blemish?"
I've heard that there are different treatments for moles and spots, but what's the difference?"
Hello, I am a doctor at Smart Skin Clinic.
Customers often ask me, "Is this a mole? Is it a blemish?" We often receive questions such as, "Is this a mole?
Although you may be able to understand it sensuously, as if it were a mole somehow, this article will explain how it is medically diagnosed from a professional standpoint in an easy-to-understand manner.
Difference between a mole and a blemish, how to tell them apart
First of all, let me explain in a straightforward manner "how to distinguish between the two".
Basically, we distinguish between multiple visual characteristics.
May be raised.
...gradually rising.
Size is less than 6 mm
...hairs are growing out of that area.
The center is darker and the outside is lighter.
Not raised.
Color intensity changes.
Size is more than 6 mm
By reviewing the characteristics listed here, I think we can basically make certain determinations as to whether it is a mole or a blemish, although there are exceptions.
The physician's examination will comprehensively check factors such as shape, color, size, elevation, and previous history to distinguish between a blemish and a mole.
Medical Differences Between Moles and Blemishes
Now, let's move on to a simple explanation of how, medically speaking, a mole and a blemish are "different." I will explain in an easy-to-understand manner.
The premise is that a mole and a blemish are "pathologically" different. Pathology, very roughly speaking, should be perceived as "observation under a microscope under magnification".
What is a mole?
The official medical name for a mole is "pigmented nevus.
The following is a quote from the Japanese Society of Plastic Surgery.
Pigmented nevi appear brown or black because the nevus cells are located at the border between the epidermis and dermis or within the dermis and produce melanin pigment. Sometimes they may be hairy or have a bumpy surface.
The Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, "Nevus Pigmentosus"
It is a little difficult.
In short,A mole is a condition in which "nevus cells" increase and accumulate.I think it would be better if you could recognize that this is the case.
What is a stain?
There are several types of spots, but the one that is often problematic to distinguish from moles is called "senile pigmentation". This is the so-called "pigmented spot" that most people imagine. Other types include melasma and freckles.
Senile pigmented macules are brownish pigmented macules with relatively well-defined borders that are common in middle age and later. It is caused by exposure to ultraviolet light.
The Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, "Blemishes
Unlike a mole, a blemish is not an increase in "nevus cells",Increased melanin pigmentation.I think it would be good to recognize that this is not the case.
How to treat moles and spots
How to treat moles
The treatment of moles is basically as follows
Laser Therapy
Excision, suture
the invariant method
(Electric incineration with high-frequency scalpel)
(Liquid nitrogen)
The options are as described above, but which one to choose is a comprehensive decision based on the location, size, depth, color, and number of moles.
To get a little technical, there are three types of moles: borderline nevi, compound nevi, and dermal nevi, which differ in the location and number of nevus cells. These differ in the location and number of nevus cells. The doctor must diagnose these before choosing a treatment.
How to Treat Blemishes
The treatment method for spots is basically laser treatment.
Since spots are a buildup of melanin pigment, the laser destroys this melanin pigment.
The following two machines are the main equipment for treating blemishes.
IPL
Pico Laser
For blemish treatment, go to Smart Skin Clinic.
We do not provide treatment for moles, but we do offer a device called a photofacial that uses light called IPL for the treatment of blemishes.
If you are concerned about facial blemishes or want to improve the tone of your skin, please come in for a consultation.
References
・The Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, "Nevus Pigmentosus"
・The Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, "Blemishes
If you like this article, please
Follow !
