Maintaining healthy skin is an ongoing process that starts at a young age. Dermatologists treat many conditions to keep your skin healthy, including performing annual skin screenings to check your skin moles and identify issues early.
At Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics, double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gabriella Vasile wants to help you maintain radiant, youthful skin. Most of all, she wants to help you keep your skin healthy as long as possible. With that in mind, Dr. Vasile wants you to know what you should watch for when it comes to your moles.
What Are Skin Moles? Understanding the Basics
Moles are a common type of skin growth that are typically benign dark spots formed by pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes.
They can appear in various forms—flat or raised, light or dark in color, small or large, and some may have hair. Most individuals develop moles during childhood or adolescence, though some can emerge into adulthood. Sun exposure can cause moles to become darker, grow larger, or increase in number.
Any sudden changes in your moles should be examined by an experienced dermatologist. Changes in symmetry, borders, uneven color, or texture, or if a mole quickly becomes painful, itchy, inflamed, or crusty, could indicate skin cancer.
If your dermatologist determines your mole should be removed, there are many removal techniques based on the type of mole, its size, and location, including:
- Shave excision (for superficial moles)
- Excision with sutured closure (for deeper moles)
- Cryosurgery
- Laser treatment
Common Types of Skin Moles and How to Identify Them
Most moles are benign and don’t require medical treatment. Different types of moles are diagnosed and treated differently. They are classified and described in many ways, including:
- Their appearance to the eye and when magnified with a microscope
- The types of cells they’re made of
- Their growth patterns
Here’s a little more about the most common type of moles:
- Common moles (acquired nevi): This is the most common type of mole and can appear anywhere on the body. These moles can appear spontaneously throughout life. They are usually small and round, have a distinct border, and are uniform in color.
- Congenital moles: These moles are present at birth on the face or trunk and may be larger than common moles.
- Dysplastic nevi (atypical moles): These moles are typically larger than common moles and may have irregular borders or uneven color. Due to their atypical appearance, they are at a higher risk factor of melanoma.
- Blue nevus: These moles have a deep pigment deposition that makes them appear blue or bluish-gray. They are typically benign.
How to Tell if a Mole Is Normal or Concerning
Most moles are harmless and will not change throughout your lifetime. But it’s important to get to know your moles and check your skin frequently. Monitoring your skin makes it easier to determine if your skin and moles become suspicious.
See your dermatologist:
- If an existing mole experiences changes, especially by following the ABCDEs
- If you have a new mole that looks different from your other moles,
- If you develop new moles after age 30
- If a mole bleeds, itches, or becomes painful
The ABCDEs of Moles: A Checklist for Detection
Melanoma is one of the most preventable cancers, and moles are the key to early detection. It’s important to monitor your moles monthly using the ABCDE method of determining their characteristics to ensure you’re doing all you can to safeguard your skin’s health.
- Asymmetry—Watch for asymmetrical moles; both sides should be symmetrical.
- Border—The edges or borders of the mole should not be poorly defined or irregular.
- Color—Moles should not be multiple colors or change in color from one area of the mole to another.
- Diameter—Monitor any moles over 6 mm; melanomas are typically larger than a pencil eraser.
- Evolving—Watch for any changes a mole experiences, including size, shape, or color changes.
When Should You See a Doctor About a Mole?
Often, most skin growths are benign and require no intervention. If your moles are exhibiting any of the changing ABCDEs, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. However, it’s important to visit a dermatologist immediately if your moles develop suspicious symptoms, such as bleeding, itching, tenderness, pain, or not healing. These symptoms could indicate the early stages of skin cancer or underlying health conditions.
When visiting a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Gabriella Vasile for an evaluation, they will first diagnose the lesion to determine the best course of treatment. If they are concerned about potential skin cancer, they will order a biopsy to examine the lesion more thoroughly.
Risk Factors for Developing Concerning Moles
Some people are more prone to developing moles that become suspicious. There are several risk factors to help you determine if you are at a higher risk than others. However, once you know you have a higher risk, you can be proactive in caring for your skin and monitoring your moles.
Key risk factors for developing concerning moles include:
- Having a large number of moles, including unusual or large moles, or moles present at birth
- A substantial family history of melanoma
- A personal history of sunburn or excessive sun exposure, especially during childhood
- Those who have fair skin that burns easily, light-colored eyes, and red or blonde hair
How to Monitor Your Moles for Changes Over Time
Since early detection is key, monitor your moles for changes over time. Perform regular self-exams and consult your dermatologist with any changes. Your dermatologist may recommend “mole mapping” to track any changes in your moles over time.
It’s important to know what you’re looking for when monitoring your moles:
- Check your skin once a month. Use mirrors to monitor the hard-to-see areas. Take photos of your moles next to a ruler for easy comparison.
- Know your ABCDEs. Look for asymmetry, irregular borders, color variations, a diameter larger than 6mm, and evolving changes in size, shape, or color.
- Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to discuss any suspicious changes, including rapid growth, bleeding, or itching.
Preventive Tips for Skin Health and Mole Awareness
There are several actions you can take to prevent skin issues and maintain awareness of your moles. Some key aspects to remember are:
- Early detection of changes in moles significantly improves treatment outcomes.
- Check your entire body monthly—even your scalp, ears, palms, and the soles of your feet.
- Practice sun protection: stay in the shade, wear protective clothing and sunglasses, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, and avoid tanning beds.
- Perform self-checks to monitor your skin for any changes in existing moles or new growths; visit your dermatologist annually, especially if you have a family history of skin cancer.
- Know the warning signs: check for the ABCDEs to identify suspicious moles.
Schedule Your Skin Check at Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics Today
Monitoring your skin moles for changes is important to your overall health. If it’s been a while since your last skin check, it’s time to schedule your appointment today. At Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics, double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gabriella Vasile wants to help you learn what you need to monitor to keep your skin healthy.
Reserve your appointment today by calling (843) 974-1230 or completing our online form today!
