Itching of birthmarks- These are the causes and backgrounds
If a birthmark is itchy, it does not have to mean something bad, but more intensive observation should be made. If the birthmark also changes, for example in size and / or color, a doctor must be consulted.
Table of Contents
- Birthmark – what is it actually?
- causes
- Changes
- Skin screening process
- Removal of the birthmark
- Dry skin
- Pigment spots that are exposed to constant friction
- Malignant melanoma (black skin cancer)
- White skin cancer
- Summary
Birthmark – what is it actually?
A birthmark is a pigment spot that arises from the fact that a particularly large number of pigment-forming cells (melanocytes) accumulate in one place and form the skin pigment there. Such a stain can also develop from nevus cells. These cells are closely related to melanocytes.
If a birthmark is itchy, there can be several causes. However, a medical evaluation should urgently be carried out since, in the worst case, skin cancer can be the cause. (Image: amixstudio / fotolia.com)
The birthmark can already be present at birth. When a mole is mentioned, it usually means marks that develop in the course of life. However, there is no precise definition of the term mole. The technical term for a birthmark is nevus (plural: naevi).
The nevi are classified according to their color, surface structure and the skin layer from which they arise. In medical literature, the term nevus is understood to mean the following: a congenital or later occurring, circumscribed malformation of the skin in connection with a focal accumulation of altered melanocytes or melanocyte-like cells.
Birthmarks can appear anywhere on the body. The congenital nevi can be up to the size of the palm of the hand, whereas the acquired nevi are usually no larger than 5 millimeters. A birthmark can lie flat on the skin level or it can be papular. The surface is smooth, the color is different – it ranges from skin-colored to dark brown.
causes
The reasons for the increased formation of melanocytes have not yet been sufficiently clarified. It is discussed that genetically modified melanocyte precursor cells penetrate the skin, multiply there and then accumulate in a small area, which ultimately results in the birthmark.
Fair-skinned people are more likely to have a larger number of birthmarks. There is also a genetic disposition for the development of pigment spots. What also stimulates the formation of these pigment disorders is frequent and unprotected sunbathing. Anyone who has spent many hours unprotected in the sun as a child and / or adolescent increases the risk of developing birthmarks all the more. In addition, during periods of hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or during the menopause, more moles develop. Last but not least, a weakened immune system is one of the causes of the excessive formation of pigment spots.
Changes
The ABCDE rule exists for the determination of critical birthmarks, which states:
A stands for asymmetry (irregularity: not evenly round or evenly oval), B for delimitation (a birthmark should be sharply defined), C for color, D for Diameter and E for development (changes in the four points mentioned above).
There are also warning signals such as itching, oozing, pain, burning and bleeding. If, for example, a previously flat, light brown birthmark suddenly grows and this also irregularly, it is essential to consult a doctor. If the birthmark suddenly itches again and again, this can also be a warning.
Birthmarks are usually harmless, but can also degenerate. Therefore, they should always be observed and regularly (every two years) subjected to skin cancer screening by the family doctor or dermatologist. This is especially true for people who have a large number of birthmarks and / or are fair-skinned. The screening is paid for by the statutory health insurance every two years from the age of 35.
As part of the skin cancer screening, all birthmarks are carefully inspected with a dermatoscope. (Image: Evgeniy Kalinovskiy / fotolia.com)
Skin screening process
The patient is subjected to a full-body inspection in the undressed state. The entire body including the hairy head, the armpits, the genital area, the face, the spaces between the toes, the oral mucosa, etc. This is done with an illuminated magnifying glass and, if suspected, with a dermatoscope, a special magnifying glass that can be used to examine the upper layers of the skin. For better transparency, oil or a special liquid is applied. Many dermatological practices work with digital incident light microscopy. Every stain can be transferred to a computer screen. The birthmarks are compared and their history is saved.
The skin screening takes about 10 to 15 minutes. In addition, there is a precise anamnesis, a questioning of the patient’s habits, living conditions, illnesses, genetic disposition, etc. A pigment change that the doctor considers to be questionable is surgically removed and pathologically examined.
Removal of the birthmark
The birthmark is surgically removed with a scalpel. This is not painful as the area is first locally numbed. The spot may have to be sewn, depending on the size. Sports activities are then usually contraindicated for one to two weeks. The wound should also not come into contact with water for a specified period of time. Removal with the laser is not possible, as the tissue is burned and cannot be examined afterwards.
Dry skin
If the birthmark itches, it can also have a completely harmless cause. For example, if someone generally suffers from dry skin, it can of course also have an effect on moles. Especially birthmarks that are located in areas that are irritated throughout the day (such as under the breast, where the bra sits, or at the level of the jeans button) often start to itch here. Therefore something should be done about dry skin.
Regular moisturizing care, daily supply of the skin with a good, high-quality oil (sesame oil, almond oil, coconut oil) and sufficient fluid intake (2 to 2 ½ liters of still water per day) are urgently recommended for dry skin.
It is possible that hormonal changeover times can also be “to blame” for dry skin. If the itching gets worse and worse and there is no herb at all for the dry skin, a doctor should be consulted.
Pigment spots that are exposed to constant friction
Whether a birthmark itches or not – pigment spots that are exposed to constant friction – for example because they are under the bra strap, at the level of the waistband or directly on the sole of the foot – should be removed. A permanent stimulus is always bad for the skin and especially if a skin change in the form of a mole has already formed there.
Malignant melanoma (black skin cancer)
Changes in a mole do not necessarily have to be malignant, but unfortunately these skin changes can in rare cases degenerate. The best-known representative among the malignant neoplasms is malignant melanoma. With timely diagnosis in the early stages, the chances of recovery are very good. So – if there are any changes, even if the birthmark just keeps itching – it’s better to go to the doctor once too often than too late.
Malignant melanoma starts from the melanocytes and is extremely malignant. Therefore, a quick and early diagnosis and action is necessary. Unfortunately, this tumor also metastasizes very quickly. Frequent, excessive sunbathing, frequent sunburns and also regular visits to the tanning bed – all of these are among the risk factors for developing malignant melanoma. People who have a large number of birthmarks are also at risk.
In the worst case, an itchy birthmark is black skin cancer (malignant melanoma), which should be treated immediately. (Image: Africa Studio / fotolia.com)
In the case of a disease, the surgical removal of the degenerated tissue is the main focus. First, the mole is removed during the screening, then pathologically examined. If the result is positive, the operation is repeated over a larger area. Further examinations are carried out to rule out the possibility of lymph nodes being involved. An MRI may also be needed to determine whether the malignant melanoma has spread to other organs.
The entire therapy for this disease is based on the individual findings of the patient.
White skin cancer
If a birthmark is itchy, it can also indicate white skin cancer. This malignant skin disease is usually treatable, but is often discovered late. White / light skin cancer includes various skin tumors: the early forms (actinic keratoses), basalioma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
The early forms appear as reddish, rarely skin-colored, firmly adhering skin spots. This results in knots with tightly adhering horn beads that are very difficult to remove and sometimes bleed. The tumors can grow deeper and destroy the surrounding tissue.
The light-colored skin cancer is mainly found in areas exposed to the sun such as the ears, face, neck or upper arms. The main cause of this cancer is massive exposure to the sun. Every sunburn increases the risk. Further risk factors are light skin, older age, light skin cancer that has already occurred in the family, congenital genetic defects, working outdoors, light or radiation therapy, contact with arsenic or tar and a permanently weakened immune system.
As with malignant melanoma, the first thing to do is to remove the tumor. Radiation is used in elderly patients for whom surgery is no longer advisable. Chemotherapy in the form of certain ointments is also possible. If the cancer has spread, which is quite rare in light skin cancer, conventional chemotherapy is the method of choice.
Summary
In summary, it can be said that birthmarks are usually something completely normal and harmless. Nevertheless, everyone should regularly check their own pigment spots in order to notice changes. With all changes, but also if the birthmark itches, wets or bleeds again and again and possibly still pain, a doctor should definitely be consulted.
