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Why does a mole bleed and what to do?

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
 
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Moles are clearly defined clusters of melanocytes (cells containing the dark pigment melanin) located on the skin and usually do not bleed. Why does a mole bleed? In addition to nevus, epidermal and dermal melanocytes, most moles (dermatologists call them nevi) contain blood vessels, and when they grow, red moles (or vascular nevi) appear.

The main reasons why a mole bleeds

Most often, when a red mole or any other mole protruding above the skin surface bleeds, it is mechanically damaged: a nevus can be inadvertently touched during depilation, shaving, or intensive wiping of the skin with a towel. Violation of the integrity of the tissues of a mole can be the result of constant friction from clothing, especially on the neck, back, in the area of the armpits and groin folds.

Some moles have coarse hairs growing from their center. Quite often, removing these hairs (for example, by plucking them with tweezers or shaving) also results in a small amount of bleeding.

When women, using scrubs to cleanse their facial skin, rub it too vigorously, then it is not surprising that a mole on the face bleeds.

Fans of natural tanning, as well as those who like to visit a solarium, may be familiar with the situation when a mole cracks and bleeds due to overdrying of the skin under the influence of ultraviolet light.

Fortunately, most moles are benign. However, it should be borne in mind that bleeding moles can be one of the alarming signs of malignancy and the development of melanoma. Many nevi are hereditary and are genetically transmitted from generation to generation. These inherited atypical (dysplastic) nevi can be larger than the average size of moles and have an irregular shape or atypical color. Experts say that these moles are much more likely to develop into melanoma.

For this reason, if a mole on the face, chest, back or anywhere else is bleeding, you should apply a sterile napkin to it (secure it with adhesive tape) and send it to a dermatologist.

What to do if a mole is bleeding?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one of the most serious causes of bleeding moles is their transformation into skin cancer (melanoma). And in this case, bleeding can begin spontaneously, without any external influences or irritants.

Here are five warning signs of melanoma:

  • a: asymmetry of the mole;
  • b: lack of clear boundaries;
  • c: color changes;
  • d: diameter more than 6-8 mm;
  • e: significant elevation above the surface of the skin.

Congenital nevi are more likely to degenerate into melanoma than moles that appear after birth, especially if they are large. Two genes predisposing to melanoma have been identified - CDKN2A and CDK4. Although, according to most experts, these genes themselves do not provide an exhaustive explanation for the pathogenesis of malignancy of normal mole cells, and the negative influence of environmental factors (in particular, sunlight) is not without its role.

It is extremely important to detect melanoma in its early stages to prevent its spread. Melanoma is treatable and can be removed surgically or with a laser.

If a mole bleeds, dermatologists recommend consulting a doctor.

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