What is a birthmark?

A mole is usually defined as a hardened skin accumulation or spot on the body with pigment, i.e. brown coloured. There are also birthmarks without pigment. These are often simply called ‘pimples’. The medical name for a mole is naevus. They are usually present on the body from birth or childhood and do not bother you. In exceptional situations, birthmarks may bleed or itch spontaneously or change shape or colour. Sometimes birthmarks appear. They may appear in a few months to a year.

Change or hindrance in birthmarks may indicate skin cancer or melanoma. Therefore, it is important to have moles checked regularly by a skin specialist. Those who are physically or aesthetically bothered by them can have them removed by a plastic surgeon.

When is the best time to have your mole(s) removed?

Birthmarks are harmless as long as they do not change in colour or shape. However, they can be very disfiguring, for example when they are in the face, or bothersome, when they are under the clasp of your bra or the edge of your trousers.

Change or discomfort in birthmarks may indicate skin cancer or melanoma. This is why it is important to have moles checked regularly by a skin specialist. Those who are physically or aesthetically bothered by them can have them removed by a plastic surgeon.