Question: My girlfriend has two large moles on her back. I've already told her to have it removed just to be sure, but she doesn't think it's necessary. As long as a hair grows out, it's a healthy mole, she says. Is she right? L. DE B., ROERMOND
Answer from dermatologist Jacqueline Vink: 'In most cases, a mole from which a hair grows is a healthy mole. There are, however, congenital moles with hair that can degenerate malignantly over time. This is particularly likely if these so-called congenital nevi have a diameter of a few centimeters. But usually a mole with hair is a healthy spot. You can also pull a hair out of the birthmark. That does not make him - contrary to what is sometimes said - evil. Incidentally, I do recommend that when in doubt about the birthmark, always show it to the general practitioner or dermatologist.'
