Mole Turned Red

'Moles turned red' are different from red moles. However both can be similar, since they are essentially cancerous in nature. Red moles can be benign skin growths that result naturally as the skin ages. They can be due to many factors. Red moles occur in the skin due to prolonged sun damage that the skin has sustained over a long period of time.

The UV light from the sun can cause skin cells to multiply in a particular location(s) on the skin; whereby it causes raised or flat masses on the skin in which they contain high concentration of large pigmented cells.

Normally these cells grow to a limit and then stops; they die or become functionally inert. However, given the nature of their growth, they are prone to regain active multiplying whereby they develop into a full blown melanoma.

Usually when they start to actively divide again (and consequently enlarge in size), they invade sensitive areas of the skin. Since the cancer cells have resumed "full life," they tend to live on blood. Thus capillaries dilate and feed blood to the localised area. And the mole turns red.

Mole turning red or to any other colour is not a good sign and needs medical attention. Benign moles are meant to be constant in size, shape and symmetry. But if the moles are noticed to turn red (blood), blue (cyanosis and necrosis) or yellow-red (pus accumulation, necrosis), alarm should be raised. You should see your dermatologist immediately so that skin biopsy is performed and confirmatory diagnosis is made.

How do you prevent your moles from turning red or to any other shade of colour?
Since moles are prone to cancer and can easily start turning red. You are advised to desist from using anything carcinogenic to your skin. Creams, oils, lotions and other skin products that thus not agree with you may allow this problem to fester, and consequently blow out of proportion. You should stick to the skin products that you are used to, which in time have been given you effective results. A person with moles is not allowed to be overzealous in trying out new skin products. Take care of your skin from the penetrating rays of the sun, you should use sunscreens and sun tans when you are on the beach.