A mole on the heel

A mole on the heel is a cluster of special cells called "melanocins" in the layers of the skin. These cells are involved in the production of melanin. Be sure to monitor the color and size of the birthmark; if it begins to change, you should see a doctor. According to the international classification of diseases, a nevus or birthmark has the code Q82.5. This includes all congenital non-tumor nevi. Doctors also include epidermal cysts, vascular birthmarks, hemangiomas, granulomas, and other tumor-like formations on the skin in this list. Raised birthmarks on the heels are a particular cause for concern.

Causes heel moles

Birthmarks appear already in the first year of a child's life. It is interesting that a newborn does not have them. Among the most common reasons for the appearance of a birthmark on the heel are:

1. Genetic predisposition.
2. Hormonal imbalance.
3. Pregnancy period.
4. Maturation of the genitals.

Whatever the reason for the birthmark, it is best to get it checked out by a specialist as soon as you notice it.

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Symptoms heel moles

It is worth understanding that a mole on the heel is not just a small dark spot. Their appearance can be completely different, depending on the type of nevus:

1. "Birthmarks on legs" or hanging moles. They are very dangerous in this place, as they can be damaged.
2. Convex or large ones can appear in the deep layers of the skin. Sometimes hairs grow out of them.
3. Flat ones look like a normal pigment spot. They usually do not change.
4. Pigmented mole - can be any shade from black to blue.

Only after consulting a doctor can you be absolutely sure of the safety of a birthmark.

Birthmark on the heel of a child

If you notice that a mole has appeared on your child's heel, you should immediately contact a dermatologist. The fact is that such spots can be quite painful, they often degenerate into malignant ones, and can also be damaged and interfere with walking. It is best to visit a specialist before the baby starts walking (if this has not happened yet). More often, such nevi are observed for a long time, less often - surgical intervention is performed. If removal is necessary, it is scheduled for the autumn-winter period, when the sun is not so active.

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Complications and consequences

Of course, there is no need to be scared in advance, but most doctors are sure that nevi on the heels and feet are quite dangerous. Why? Firstly, such birthmarks are located in places that are often injured. Secondly, the chance of malignancy in this case increases significantly. The consequences of a mole on the heel can be quite serious. Especially when it comes to the degeneration of benign cells into malignant ones. If you have a suspicion of oncology, your therapist can write you a referral to oncology centers.

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Diagnostics heel moles

When visiting a doctor, he/she will definitely collect anamnesis. That is, he/she will ask the patient questions to better understand the picture of the formation of a mole on the heel and make a diagnosis. The survey is considered one of the most important tools in the diagnostic process. Usually, the dermatologist asks whether any of the family members have had similar situations, as well as whether there have been diagnosed cases of melanoma in blood relatives.

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Tests for a mole on the heel

The tissue from the mole that was removed is sent for a biopsy. Only after that can we say with certainty whether the spot was benign or malignant. This is what an analysis is.

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Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnostics of a mole on the heel is carried out using a special method - dermatoscopy. Thanks to it, it is possible to detect the development of melanoma. Dermatoscopy is not a surgical intervention, it is carried out with a special device (dermatoscope). This is a small microscope through which you can see the upper layer of the skin. Before the procedure, a special gel is applied to the site of the pigment spot.

Thanks to this diagnostic method, the mole on the heel is viewed from all sides. Its color, size, relief, structure, and shape are studied. When the doctor assesses how dangerous the nevus is, pictures are taken and, if necessary, removal is prescribed.

Differential diagnosis

It often happens that nevi are very similar in appearance to melanoma, especially if they are congenital. This can be explained by the fact that they are larger and often have an asymmetrical shape. Differential diagnostics of a mole on the heel involves a professional examination of the pigment spot.

Treatment heel moles

Removal of a mole on the heel can be done using different methods. But please note that if there is a suspicion of a malignant nature of the nevus, then only an oncologist can perform surgical intervention. The most common methods of removal are:

1. Surgical.
2. Cryodestruction (liquid nitrogen).
3. Electrocoagulation.
4. Laser removal.

Surgical intervention is a classic method. During the process, the doctor makes a small round incision, affecting the healthy skin of the patient. The wound is stitched up. Usually, surgical removal is performed if the mole is malignant. After this procedure, a noticeable scar usually remains at the site of the mole. Often, if special ointments are not used, inflammation may even begin.

A less traumatic method is to use liquid nitrogen. In this case, the birthmark is frozen. But doctors do not often use cryodestruction, as they consider it less effective. Liquid nitrogen damages the tissue of the birthmark, which leads to its death. Nitrogen is held vertically over the birthmark for 20-30 minutes. In this case, the doctor always takes away some healthy skin. After a few minutes, the color of the nevus changes noticeably, it becomes pale. An hour or two after the procedure, a so-called "epidermal blister" appears at the site of the birthmark, which will disappear in 7 days. The patient may feel pain and tingling during cryodestruction. After the operation, it is necessary to carefully care for your skin using the products prescribed by the doctor.

Electrocoagulation is an effect of electric current. After the procedure, a small crust forms on the site of the mole, which falls off over time. The main advantages of this method include: speed of implementation, a short rehabilitation period, no scars or marks, the removed material can be given for biopsy, the effect can be deep or shallow, and the wound does not become infected. But electrocoagulation is only suitable for those patients whose moles are small. Usually, there are no complications after such an intervention if the patient uses various means for healing and does not stay in the sun for a long time.

Laser removal is considered the safest today. The main difference is that after the procedure the wound heals immediately and does not bother the patient. Laser removal cannot be performed on people with chronic diseases of any type, diabetes, pregnant and nursing mothers, skin diseases in the area of the procedure, infections or inflammations. After the procedure, patients are prohibited from visiting a bathhouse or sauna, sunbathing, going to swimming pools. In no case should you tear off the crust that has formed on the site of the mole. Sometimes, if the birthmark is too large, the doctor decides to do several such procedures.

Remedies for a mole on the heel

There are several medications that doctors recommend for some of their patients. Among them, ointments and solutions are of particular importance. They contain medicinal herbs, so they are usually suitable for all patients. Of course, if you think you have malignant melanoma, it is better to immediately seek help from a specialist and get rid of it surgically.

Folk treatment of a mole on the heel

When a mole on the heel starts to bother, not everyone immediately turns to doctors. Some use folk methods for its treatment and removal. A solution made from hemp oil and chalk is highly effective. In this case, it is worth taking the proportions of 4:1. The product should be infused. After which they rub the mole several times a day for 30 days.

To remove a mole on the heel, you can prepare a remedy from honey and flax oil. If you rub the birthmark with this mixture three times a day, it can be removed.

According to folk healers, garlic ointment is very effective. You need to take a tablespoon of butter, 50 grams of honey and grind a few cloves of garlic. Mix it all up, apply it to the mole and cover with a bandage. Be sure to wash it off after four hours.

Herbal treatment

The most effective medicinal herb for a mole on the heel is celandine. In folk medicine, the juice of this plant is used. To get rid of a birthmark, you need to rub it with celandine juice three times a day. You can also make ointments or solutions from it.

Prevention

It is very important to monitor your birthmark so that it does not become the cause of serious diseases. Prevention of a birthmark on the heel includes:

1. Self-examination of a nevus for changes in color or size. Also, a signal to go to the doctor is the appearance of a crust on the mole.
2. It is very important to take care of your feet hygiene. Also try to spend more time walking.

Forecast

Despite the fact that nevi seem to be harmless diseases, they greatly affect a person's life. After removing a mole on the heel, you will have to monitor the amount of time spent under ultraviolet light, try not to injure the skin where the spot was. It is very important to visit a dermatologist from time to time, who will monitor the condition of your skin. Almost all doctors believe that a mole on the heel is dangerous, so it must be removed without fail.

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