Those clusters of colorless moles on your face can also occur elsewhere on your body and have people worried that they’re a fast spreading cancer.
They can definitely appear to be colorless moles – the color closely matching the hue of the patient’s surrounding normal skin.
But just what are these “colorless moles” that are appearing in groups on your face and maybe elsewhere?
“It’s likely that these colorless ‘moles’ aren’t really moles at all,” begins Dr. Janet Prystowsky, MD, a board certified dermatologist in New York, NY, with 30+ years’ experience.
Dr. Prowstowsky explains, “Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that can look like a colorless mole.” See above image.
“Molluscum is highly contagious and can spread from skin to skin contact, sharing clothing/towels, and sharing yoga mats and similar gym equipment.”
That sounds quite troubling, but at least it’s not cancer, and it cannot turn into cancer, either.
“Depending on the patient, treatment may differ. Some treatments are cryosurgery, curettage, laser surgery, imiquimod, topical antivirals and topical acids.
“Your dermatologist may not recommend treatment, since your body can often handle a molluscum infection on its own.”
A Second Explanation for a Colorless Mole
Dr. Prystowsky says, “An old mole can gradually lose its color, so by midlife it may be colorless.”
In combination with her focus on early skin cancer detection and removal, Dr. Prystowsky provides a wide range of revitalizing and rejuvenating treatments.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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