MOST MOLES HARMLESS, BUT WATCH BLACK ONES!

It has been estimated that there are five moles on an average on every person in the city of Chicago.

If all of these were to be removed, it would require more than 15,000,000 separate surgical operations.

The history of moles would be an extremely interesting topic, since they were long regarded as of great significance—sometimes considered the work of evil spirits; sometimes thought to be due to the influence of the moon or the stars, and occasionally thought to be of importance in determining configuration of the body.

Superstition.—Charts of moles were prepared so that one might tell by observation of those that were visible where to expect others that might be invisible. Needless to say, all of this was superstitious and without the slightest scientific importance.

As long as a mole does not disfigure the appearance, it is best disregarded, unless under certain circumstances it becomes irritated and subject to the unusually rapid growth that is characteristic of cancer.

If a mole is extremely brown or black, it has in it an unusual amount of a pigment called melanin, which is responsible for giving the color to the hair, the eyes, and the deeper layers of skin.

Somehow, the presence of this substance seems to be associated with dangerous possibilities, so that a severe injury or irritation of a deeply pigmented mole may cause it to suddenly develop rapid growth.

Watch Black Ones.—The most dangerous moles are those that are jet black. If these are situated where they are constantly rubbed or irritated by collars, garters, shoes or other garments, they should be most carefully watched.

The danger signs have been listed by some doctors as: (1) a gradual increase in the size of the mole; (2) deepening or spreading of the color; (3) ulceration or infection; (4) pain or soreness in the mole.

If any of these symptoms appear, the person concerned should promptly consult a physician. If they do not appear, the mole should be left alone and not teased by irritation, rubbing, picking, scratching, or half-hearted attempts at its removal.