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Why did the mole disappear and what to do?

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
 
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Are you familiar with the case when, one fine day, going to the mirror, a person asked himself the only question: why did the mole disappear and what to do? Surely this has happened to you or your friends. First of all - do not panic.

Any such mark on our skin has its own life cycle. The presence of moles is due to genetic factors, and they are laid down in the womb. Some are with us from birth, others appear at a fairly mature age. Most moles appear before the age of two and are present on the body until old age, and often disappear in old age. Why do moles disappear? Can this be dangerous?

Why do moles disappear?

There are many possible reasons for the disappearance of moles, and some of them can pose a threat to human health. Perhaps the life cycle of the mole has simply ended and it has disappeared, but this only happens if the owner has reached old age. If you have not yet entered this stage of life, and moles have begun to disappear, it is time to consult a specialist.

The disappearance of moles can be caused by a burn, vitiligo, or, in the worst case, the development of skin cancer. In any case, the disappearance of a mole is a good reason to take your health seriously. You should not ignore this fact. It is imperative to visit a specialist.

Can a mole disappear on its own?

If the marks disappear in a child or teenager, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Not everyone knows that moles can disappear, because if a mole does not remind of itself in any way, its development is not accompanied by the degeneration of cells, until the moment when nevi can begin to disappear, a person either simply does not live long enough or no longer pays any attention to this process.

But in rare cases, nevi suddenly disappear at a fairly early age. The reason for this can be both understandable and natural, and it can be the extremely dangerous transformation of a mole into a cancerous neoplasm. In addition, the discoloration of a mole, when melanin disappears from the cells, can occur as a result of sunburn or a burn in a solarium. This symptom can also indicate the development of a disease known as vitiligo. In this case, instead of a nevus, a white spot remains, which never disappears.

How do moles disappear?

Moles do not disappear instantly. This process develops over time, and can even be divided into stages: first, a light halo appears around the mole; after that, the mole gradually loses its color from the edge to the center; then, over time, this discolored spot may become skin-colored or remain white.

However, you should be wary if a white spot suddenly appears in place of a mole or a white halo surrounds one or more moles. The development of this process should not be overlooked, it is necessary to periodically carefully examine the entire skin to make sure that such disappearing moles have not appeared and be sure to make an appointment with a specialist.

Is it dangerous?

The chances that a discolored mole has simply grown old and disappeared are not very high. It is much more likely that there is a danger hidden behind this symptom - it may indicate either melanoma (a type of cancer) or vitiligo - a disease that has not been studied enough, but its manifestations are very unaesthetic. If a mole has disappeared due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, you should not take this lightly either: ultraviolet radiation can become a trigger for the degeneration of a mole into a cancerous tumor.

If you notice disappearing moles on your body, do not delay your visit to a dermatologist. Only an experienced and knowledgeable doctor will give an accurate answer to the question: why did the mole disappear and what to do based on the results of the examination and histology? These recommendations can not only help preserve beauty, but also protect against the development of dangerous diseases.

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