Redness around the mole

Redness around a mole can be an alarming signal that some negative changes are occurring in the body. Do not ignore it! But redness of the skin can also occur due to damage or other factors.

It is important to know that a healthy mole has smooth edges, a uniform color, and a dry surface. The skin should be free of redness, rashes, and should not itch or hurt. Also, the mole should not increase in size; ichor or other discharge indicates a serious threat to life and health. In general, a normal mole does not cause any discomfort.

[ 1 ]

Causes redness around the mole

The causes of redness around a mole can be divided into three groups:

1. Mechanical damage. Redness of the skin around a mole is caused by the fact that it was simply pinched by nails, jewelry or other objects. Very often, moles are located in areas where there is a high risk of injury. For example, those located in the neck area can be pinched by fingers, jewelry, a very hard collar or even a label on clothing can damage the delicate surface of a mole.
2. Chemicals. A mole is one of the most sensitive and vulnerable areas on the human body. Therefore, it may react negatively to cosmetics or medications with aggressive components. It is necessary to immediately stop using the product or carefully ensure that it does not come into contact with moles and the skin around them.
3. The transformation of a mole into a malignant tumor. There are many types of melanoma, from passive to fast-growing. In half of the cases, the skin around the mole turns red. This means that some inflammatory processes are taking place inside it, not yet fully visible from the outside.

A mole can react to any of the listed factors, regardless of its size, location on the body, or age of formation. Some people mistakenly believe that only larger moles are at risk of degeneration. This can be explained by the fact that changes are more noticeable on larger moles.

Symptoms redness around the mole

What diseases are preceded by redness of the skin around a mole? These can be symptoms of not only diseases, but also adverse effects on the skin. Redness can occur because:

• You have been in the sun for too long. The sun can cause a slight inflammation of the skin around the mole. This can mainly happen if you ignore the doctors' warnings and are in the open sun from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. At this time, the rays are most harmful and carry a lot of solar radiation. Since moles are very sensitive, they can react immediately. In some cases, the mole itself can change color, because ultraviolet light affects the color of the pigment.
• A benign tumor becomes malignant. This can happen again due to excessive sun exposure. Heredity is of great importance. If a mole degenerates and is in an intermediate stage, it is easy to determine on your own. The skin around it turns red, the mole itself increases in size. Flat moles become more convex. Also, the contours of the mole become not even and clear, but blurred with "ragged" edges.

In any case, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor or self-medicate without an accurate diagnosis. With the wrong approach, you can only harm the tumor, accelerating the course of the disease.

Redness and swelling around the mole

Redness around a mole and swelling can occur in several cases. If you touch a mole with a sharp object or otherwise injure it, it will certainly react this way. Swelling occurs because the body immediately reacts to the damage and local hyperemia occurs in that area. Redness is a natural reaction of the skin. The skin can turn red even with minor friction.

The second reason for redness and swelling is changes that occur under the skin where the mole is located. Most often, these are negative changes. You need to observe the mole for some time. If you notice the slightest changes in color or size, immediately consult an oncologist.

Gradually, after redness and swelling, pain, itching and a constant feeling of discomfort may be added. The sooner you contact a specialist, the easier and more painless the operation will be (if necessary).

Several simple and harmless ways to relieve redness and swelling: sprinkle with Streptocide, wipe with alcohol or calendula tincture, apply antibacterial ointment with zinc or salicylic acid. If the redness does not go away, and the feeling of discomfort becomes even stronger, the mole should not be treated independently.

Complications and consequences

The consequences of redness around a mole can be very different. If it has become red from excessive sun exposure, this will lead to excessive accumulation of melanin. A benign mole can degenerate into a malignant one. Also, a rash sometimes appears on the reddened area around the mole or the inflammation spreads to neighboring areas.

If doctors have diagnosed the first stage of melanoma, the consequences are surgical and non-surgical treatment. If the formation is detected at the first stage, it can be treated with ultrasound waves, chemotherapy and radiation. If the patient has consulted an oncologist, then in most cases the treatment consists of a whole range of procedures, including surgical intervention. It will be necessary to make a tissue cut near the mole.

The consequences of redness around a mole can also be the following lifestyle changes: minimal exposure to the sun, a ban on visiting solariums, etc., which can provoke the re-formation of inflammation or a malignant tumor.

[ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Complications

Complications of redness of the skin around a mole include all atypical changes:

• Increase in the size of the mole, burning or itching sensation.
• Painful sensations. They only get worse if you try to treat the mole yourself.
• The mole becomes darker in color.
• The edges lose their correct outlines, the borders become unclear.
• The appearance of redness of the skin around the mole and not only around it, but also on adjacent areas of the skin. Such redness spreads quickly and is very noticeable.
• The mole may ooze blood, ichor, or a clear yellow fluid mixed with blood.
• Hair around a mole may disappear or, on the contrary, appear if it was not there before.

One of the most dangerous complications is a kind of abscess of a mole. It increases in size, fluid accumulates under the skin. At the slightest touch to the abscess, the skin can burst and the fluid splashes onto the skin. This can cause infection of large areas of skin, mucous tissues (if the dangerous mole is near the nose, eye or mouth).

Diagnostics redness around the mole

Diagnosis of redness around a mole consists of a general examination and instrumental diagnostics. A general examination is performed by an oncologist. He will be able to immediately determine whether the mole is dangerous. You can also conduct an examination at home, you need to check it according to the points in the "Complications" section.

Instrumental diagnostics consists of such procedures as biopsy, histological examination and dermatoscope. With the help of such modern methods it is possible to accurately diagnose whether a mole is malignant.

A biopsy is a procedure that is performed to determine whether there are cancer cells in the tissues under a mole. A small section of tissue is taken. This procedure is safe because if the mole is not dangerous, it can be treated without surgery.

A dermatoscope is a medical microscope that can make the surface of a mole transparent. The doctor will be able to see what is happening inside the mole, what processes are developing there and how the disease is progressing. Thanks to this, it is possible to prescribe treatment or surgery more accurately.

Histological examination – a part of the inflamed mole is taken for analysis. If there are cancer cells there, it becomes immediately visible. This method was one of the first that oncologists began to trust.

An essential part of diagnostics is also a blood and urine test. The body reacts to a malignant mole by increasing the level of leukocytes, decreasing hemoglobin and other obvious changes.

[ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ]

Treatment redness around the mole

Redness around a mole can be removed with medications sold in pharmacies or folk remedies. It is better to choose a method that does not have side effects or negative reviews. When choosing an ointment or any other medicine in a pharmacy, it is advisable to look at the instructions and composition. Choose herbal preparations or those with components that you are definitely not allergic to. In folk recipes, harmless herbs and components are used. The only downside can be a weak effect and a longer course of treatment.

Treatment should be carried out as indicated in the prescription or instructions. A stronger dose can only cause complications. It is best to consult a doctor who will help you choose the right dosage.

If a mole degenerates into a malignant tumor, treatment can be carried out using radiation and chemotherapy, electric current, biopsy. In more complex cases, surgical intervention cannot be avoided. When choosing a treatment method, start with a safer and more harmless one for the body. Otherwise, you risk curing the inflammation of the mole and getting another complication.

Why does redness appear around a mole after removal?

If you have removed a mole surgically, there will certainly be a small mark and redness in that place. This is the body's natural reaction to interference in its well-coordinated work. Redness at the site of mole removal can last for 2-3 weeks. Also, in most cases, a small wound with a crust over it remains after the mole.

After the mole is removed, redness indicates that the active healing process and formation of young skin is taking place. When the crust falls off, a small light spot will remain in its place, which will gradually become the same color as the skin. Depending on the regenerative abilities, the size of the mole and the type of removal, a scar also remains. In some cases, it is very noticeable and requires additional treatment.

Also, redness after mole removal may indicate that an infection has been introduced or the operation was performed poorly. When removing a mole, the root itself must be completely removed, otherwise it may grow back. Redness that does not go away for a long time may indicate this.

What to do if redness appears around a mole?

The main thing is not to start self-medicating without establishing the exact cause of the redness. Redness indicates that the mole has been damaged mechanically, chemically or by ultraviolet light. Now it is undergoing restoration or degeneration processes.

What do dermatologists-oncologists recommend doing if redness appears around a mole:

• Conduct a self-diagnosis. Basically, you need to determine whether the mole has changed in appearance or not.
• Observe the condition of the mole for 1-2 days.
• Be sure to consult a doctor.
• If the redness does not go away within 3-4 days, get diagnosed at a medical facility.

If redness appears, but the mole does not hurt, and has not changed in appearance, you can try to treat it with celandine, calendula or an anti-inflammatory cream without chemical additives. With simple irritation from mechanical and chemical exposure, the redness will quickly pass. If these measures do not help, do not try other methods - seek help from specialists. A mole can degenerate into melanoma, which is considered one of the most aggressive types of cancer.

Medicines

For self-treatment of redness around a mole at home, you are allowed to use only a couple of drugs. They are guaranteed not to cause harm.

• Streptocide. The simplest, most accessible and effective tablets. They can be bought at any pharmacy, and they are quite inexpensive. Take a few Streptocide tablets, grind them into powder, and then sprinkle the inflammation. Hold it like that for a while. You cannot wrap or cover the mole. It is also not recommended to sprinkle Streptocide on top of another drug or ointment if you have treated the inflammation with them before.
• Medical alcohol. If you can't find it in the pharmacy, you can buy an alternative remedy - Septil. Treat the redness with alcohol, do not bandage or seal with adhesive tape. Wipe several times a day until the redness goes away completely.
• Calendula tincture. It will relieve inflammation or irritation, if any. It should be used in the same way as medical alcohol.
• Triple antibiotic ointment. Bartel drugs (Polymyxin B sulfate + neomycin sulfate + bacitracin). Levomekol can be an analogue. The drug is absolutely harmless, but after several applications on redness the result will be noticeable. Zinc and salicylic acid quickly relieve inflammation and redness, as well as swelling.

If you have injured a mole and bleeding has started, you can only use hydrogen peroxide for treatment.

Redness around a mole - treatment with folk remedies

1. Lubricate the mole with potassium permanganate. This can be done 2 times a day until the redness goes away.
2. Cucumber compress. It is very easy to make - grate a cucumber, put the resulting gruel in a gauze bag and apply to the redness. Hold it for 15-20 minutes.
3. Fresh or pickled cabbage is applied to the inflammation. Leave for 20 minutes. It is necessary to make at least 2 compresses, they should bring a visible result. Otherwise, this method should be replaced with another.
4. Pomegranate and honey. Take a sour pomegranate, squeeze the juice out of it and cook on low heat for half an hour. Then cool it a little and mix with honey 1:1. Store in a cool place, lubricate the redness several times a day until complete recovery.
5. Potatoes. You can use raw or boiled potatoes. Grate them and apply to the redness for 20 minutes or until the potatoes become dry (in the case of raw materials).

Any redness on the skin must be moisturized and completely removed. All ingredients that contain a lot of moisture are suitable for this. Aloe is also considered an excellent option. Cut a leaf of the plant lengthwise and apply it to the redness with the cut inward. You can attach aloe with a bandage or a bandage. You can even leave it overnight.

Herbal treatment

• Celandine. Celandine has always been considered one of the best remedies for any kind of irritation and inflammation on the skin. To relieve redness around a mole, you can use it in its pure form, as a tincture or as a decoction. Take a celandine stem and apply the cut to the redness. Make a decoction and wipe the mole. You can also make a simple tincture. Apply a cotton ball with the tincture for 10 minutes.
• Chamomile. Chamomile will relieve irritation and disinfect the mole. You can make a decoction and apply a cotton ball with it to the mole. You can also make a bath and keep the inflamed mole there.
• Yarrow. This herb has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Make an ointment from it for redness, inflammation and swelling. Collect fresh leaves of the plant, squeeze out the juice, but without pieces of the plant. Mix the juice with Vaseline in a ratio of 1:4. You will get a healing ointment that can be used for any kind of inflammation on the skin.
• Parsley. This is the simplest and most effective remedy for redness and irritation. Make a decoction of parsley leaves. Strain and let cool. Make a cotton swab and soak it in the decoction, apply to the redness for 20 minutes. Do this a couple of times a day. After the compress, you do not need to wash the skin with water.

Prevention

To prevent redness of the skin around a mole, you need to follow simple rules:

• You can sunbathe in the open sun only in the morning and evening hours, while it is not so strong. At lunchtime, it is better to stay in the shade. This is especially true for those people who have many moles or very light skin.
• Use sunscreen.

• Avoid visiting solariums. Artificial sun is very dangerous for the skin. It is what provokes many melanoma formations. Frequent visits to solariums and excessive stays there have a detrimental effect on moles, they can become inflamed and gradually degenerate into melanomas.
• Periodically examine moles on your body.
• Do not ignore any discomfort or unpleasant sensations in the area of the mole, especially if you have previously had melanoma or suspected it.

The best way to prevent skin redness is good protection from direct sunlight. To do this, avoid harmful ultraviolet rays, wear long-sleeved clothing, hats with large brims, sunglasses with dark lenses, and apply sunscreen with a high sun filter index to your skin.

[ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Forecast

The prognosis for redness around a mole is favorable in most cases. It is recommended to remove a mole that is located in an inconvenient place. That is, where it can be constantly touched by nails or clothing. In order not to injure the mole, avoid the risk of bleeding and infection, the mole is most often removed using one of the modern methods.

When a mole degenerates into melanoma, the prognosis is not so favorable. Melanoma is considered one of the most dangerous types of malignant tumors. Therefore, those who were able to recognize the threat in time and consult a doctor have a better chance of a full and quick recovery.

For patients in both of the above groups, time spent in the sun during warm seasons should be limited in the future. Constant monitoring and examination by an oncologist is also recommended to detect a new formation in time and remove it.

The prognosis for reddening of the skin around a mole can be favorable only when the patient does not self-diagnose or self-medicate, but consults a doctor with any alarming symptom.

If you notice redness around a mole, don't despair. Watch it for a few days. The redness may go away on its own. Self-medication without an accurate diagnosis is very dangerous. If a mole degenerates into a cancerous growth, you can only harm yourself and your body as a whole.