You may have a mole for years, only for it to one day change shape or start to itch. Any time your skin condition suddenly changes, it’s important to speak to a dermatologist, but it’s not necessarily a cause for alarm. At Affiliated Dermatology, we’re committed to providing professional skin treatments and informational resources so people can learn more about their skin. If you have questions like, “Can itchy moles be harmless?” or “Why is my mole itchy?”, start with this quick guide.
What Can Cause a Mole to Itch?
Can moles be itchy? There are many different reasons why moles can start to itch. Sometimes, it can be as simple as dry skin or itchiness caused by allergens or irritants in the environment—moles can itch just like the rest of your skin. However, they can also be a bit more vulnerable. So things like a sunburn, a razor burn, or exposure to new chemicals, lotions, and cleansers may cause an itchy reaction that lingers much longer than on the surrounding skin.
However, moles can be itchy for more serious reasons, such as developing skin conditions like eczema. Some skin conditions may even cause the moles in the first place. The most serious reason, skin cancer, can also be the cause of an itchy mole, especially if it’s accompanied by other changes.
What Does an Itchy Mole Mean?
An itchy mole may or may not be an emergency, but it always means at least one thing: it’s time to see a dermatologist. When preexisting moles suddenly start itching, that means something has changed, and it’s important to have a trained dermatologist evaluate them. Acting fast to schedule an appointment and get it assessed means you can proactively manage developing medical conditions and minimize the risk of spreading conditions.
But can itchy moles be harmless? It’s possible, and going to see a doctor can also give you peace of mind if it turns out to be a minor condition.
Understanding Common vs. Atypical Moles
There are two main categories of moles that people can use as a way to describe their moles over the phone or to do a bit of self-assessment. Common moles are small, symmetrical, and have clear borders. They feel like skin, without being raised or textured, and they present very little risk of melanoma.
Atypical moles, however, can be more associated with melanoma, especially if you suddenly notice multiple atypical moles. These moles are larger, irregularly shaped, and have a noticeable change in texture. They may also have multiple colors, changing from dark brown to mottled pink from one side to the next.
When to See a Dermatologist for an Itchy Mole
Earlier is always best when it comes to having your skin assessed for melanoma or other skin conditions. But it can be easy to pass off an itchy mole as a one-time occurrence, especially if you think a new cosmetic, clothing, or a sunburn was behind it. However, we recommend scheduling an appointment if you notice these signs:
- Your mole continues to be itchy.
- It looks like it may be an atypical mole.
- You notice bleeding or scabbing, even if you think it might be from scratching at it.
- The mole changes appearance.
A dermatologist can examine the mole, recommend next steps, and provide a diagnosis.
Get a Professional Opinion on Your Mole or Skin Conditions
Can itchy moles be harmless? Sometimes, itchy moles are simply itchy skin, but sometimes, they’re the first warning sign of a more serious condition. At Affiliated Dermatology, we can schedule a quick appointment to examine your moles, tell you what an itchy mole means for your unique skin, and what to do next. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our skin cancer screenings at a location near you.
Image Credit: Ocskay Mark / Shutterstock
