A mole is a common skin growth composed of a cluster of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Most adults have between ten and forty moles, which can be flat or raised and appear anywhere on the body. Raised moles can be accidentally snagged on clothing, jewelry, or scratched, leading to irritation or injury. Understanding the consequences of this trauma is important for managing the injury and knowing when to seek medical advice.
Immediate Physical Consequences
When a mole is forcibly picked or scratched off, the most immediate consequence is localized tenderness and bleeding. Raised moles often contain a concentration of small blood vessels near the skin’s surface, which become exposed upon injury. This trauma results in a small, open wound that may bleed more profusely than a typical surface scratch.
Controlling the bleeding and cleaning the site is the first step to prevent contamination. Apply gentle, continuous pressure using a clean cloth or sterile gauze until the flow of blood stops. Once controlled, cleanse the wound with mild soap and water, followed by an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment. Cover the area with a small bandage to protect the exposed tissue from dirt and debris during healing.
Risks of Infection and Permanent Scarring
Picking off a mole disrupts the skin’s natural barrier, creating an entry point for environmental bacteria and increasing the risk of infection. The exposed tissue is vulnerable to pathogens that can lead to localized cellulitis or abscess formation. Signs that the wound is becoming infected include increasing redness spreading outward from the injury site, warmth, swelling, or the presence of pus.
Another potential long-term consequence of the trauma is the formation of permanent scar tissue. Improper healing may lead to a noticeable cosmetic change, such as a raised, firm scar. To promote optimal healing, it is important to avoid picking at the scab that forms over the wound. This repeatedly disrupts the repair process and increases the likelihood of a prominent scar.
Dispelling Cancer Myths and When to Consult a Doctor
A persistent concern is the misconception that trauma can cause a benign mole to transform into malignant melanoma. Medical evidence confirms that picking or irritating a common mole does not cause skin cancer. Melanoma arises from genetic mutations within the melanocytes, which are not triggered by mechanical injury. The trauma may simply draw attention to a lesion that was already changing or concerning.
The primary concern is not the injury itself, but rather if the lesion was already cancerous or if the injury refuses to heal properly. If the wound from the picked mole does not show signs of significant healing within a week, or if it continues to bleed without further injury, a medical evaluation is warranted. A dermatologist can examine the site to ensure the growth was benign and that the wound is healing correctly.
It is important to monitor all moles for changes according to the ABCDE criteria, which helps identify potential melanoma. Consult a professional if the mole that was picked exhibited any suspicious signs before the trauma, or if a previously flat mole grows back in an irregular shape or color.
The ABCDE criteria look for:
- Asymmetry
- Irregular border
- Multiple colors
- Diameter larger than 6 millimeters
- Evolving or changing characteristics