If the birthmark itches, that does not necessarily mean something bad. Here you will learn everything about possible causes and what you should know.
What is a birthmark?
A birthmark occurs when a lot of so-called melanocytes accumulate in one part of the skin. These are pigment-forming cells that determine the skin’s color and thus give birthmarks their dark color. But also the so-called nevus cells, which are related to the melanocytes, can form a birthmark or a liver spot.
Light skin types are more prone to birthmarks – and skin cancer
Especially with light skin types, birthmarks often occur due to genetic factors, even though the actual number of birthmarks, according to recent studies, is not determined by the genes. In addition, it seems to matter how much time you spend in the sun at a young age without UV protection – so moles can also form in the course of life. Usually, however, one speaks of a liver spot in these cases. Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, also play a role in the formation of liver spots.
Changes: When the birthmark itches
When a birthmark itches, that does not directly mean anything bad – but the skin should be watched closely, especially if the itching suddenly happens again and again. If changes occur, for example in color or shape, the dermatologist should be consulted – there is a risk of skin cancer .
Symptoms: These symptoms indicate skin cancer
Especially if you have many birthmarks or liver spots , you should watch them well – and have them checked by the doctor. The following symptoms may be an indication of skin cancer:
- itching
- Pain
- Burn
- wet
- Change in shape or color
The ABCDE rule for diagnosis
To determine whether a birthmark should be better observed, for example, it could lead to skin cancer, there is the so-called ABCDE rule:
- A for asymmetry (irregular, not uniformly round or oval birthmark)
- B for limitation (birthmark should be sharply defined)
- C for Color (color of the birthmark – dark shades are rather negative)
- D for diameter (birthmark should not be larger than five millimeters)
- Development (Does the birthmark change in shape or color?)
Even if the moles are not conspicuous, they should be examinedregularly, ie every two years, by dermatologist by skin screening. Thus, a possible black skin cancer (“malignant melanoma”) also prevent, because a suspicious birthmark or a mole can remove the doctor as a precaution under local anesthesia.
Liver stains and birthmarks that are exposed to constant pressure or friction (eg under bra straps or at the waistband) should always be removed. Permanent stimuli such as friction are rather bad for the skinand can have a negative effect on birthmarks. For example, itchy skin is a consequence, in the worst case even skin cancer.