Learn the Potential Causes for an Itchy Mole

Having an itchy mole could be a result of changes in your daily routine. But it can also be a warning sign of something more serious such as a melanoma.

Melanomas account for around 1% of skin cancers. While rare, they are responsible for most skin cancer deaths. This is why it is important to see a healthcare provider if you notice any changes in an existing or new mole.

This article reviews what moles are, causes and risk factors, the ABCDE skin assessment tool, and how to estimate your risk.

What Are Moles

Moles arise from cells in the skin called melanocytes. These cells are responsible for skin and hair color, and for the tan we get when we go out in the sun.

Moles, also described as nevi, are extremely common. The vast majority of moles do not turn into skin cancer. They usually arise before you reach your 20s, and some are present at birth.

Congenital nevi, those present at birth, are more likely to develop into melanoma. That said, it's important to keep an eye on all skin growths and note any changes.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are a number of reasons why a mole could become itchy, and cancer is not at the top of the list.

This irritation could be caused by dry skin, peeling due to a sunburn, or chemicals applied to your skin. The itchy feeling might also be caused by changes within the mole, and that may require more attention.

Answering yes to any of these questions may be the cause of an itchy mole. However, if your mole continues to be itchy after eliminating the possible cause, have it examined by your healthcare provider. They will want to check it to be sure it is not a symptom of melanoma.

Some people have a large number of moles. Some may only have a few. Moles tend to run in families, so if your parents have many moles, you are more likely to have quite a few as well.

The science remains unclear on why some moles will develop into cancer, while others do not. Risk factors include:

• Being fair-skinned
• Having a large number of moles
• Excess sun exposure
• Environmental factors
• Family history of melanoma

Changes in genes, or mutations, have only been implicated in around 1% of melanomas. Still, studies suggest that more than half of a person's risk of melanoma is related to genetic factors.

ABCDE Rule of Skin Cancer

A mole that is new or has recently changed in appearance should be evaluated by a healthcare provider who specializes in dermatology.

The ABCDE rule can help you determine if changes in a mole indicate a problem. These characteristics include:

• Asymmetry: Noncancerous moles are usually symmetrical, meaning one side of the mold looks similar to the other. Most skin cancer spots will not look the same on both sides.
• Border: The borders of cancerous moles may be uneven, jagged, or blurry.
• Color: Noncancerous moles are uniform in color. Cancerous moles have different colors or shades. Melanomas often have a classic "red, white, and blue" appearance.
• Diameter: Moles larger than a pencil eraser—about 1/4 inch, or 6 millimeters (mm)—are considered abnormal. This includes a mole that you have had since birth.
• Evolution or elevation: Evolution means a change in symmetry, borders, colors, or diameter of an existing mole. Elevation is when a mole rises above your skin, especially if it is uneven.

Itching, bleeding, or oozing from the mole is cause for concern. So is any mole area that looks like a scrape but isn't healing in a reasonable amount of time. Sometimes, a new or odd sensation in the region near a mole can be an early symptom of melanoma.

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Estimating Your Melanoma Risk

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of California, San Francisco designed a tool as an aid for healthcare providers to identify people who have a higher risk of melanoma.

Your healthcare provider can use this interactive tool to estimate your risk of developing melanoma. It helps them plan appropriate screenings for you based on your risk. Factors included in this assessment tool include:

• Age
• Complexion
• How your skin tans
• Ethnicity
• Freckling (absent, mild, moderate, or severe)
• Gender
• Geographic location
• Moles (amount)

Summary

Many people have moles, which begin in skin cells called melanocytes. Some of these moles, called congenital nevi, are there at birth. They also tend to run in families, and both factors contribute to the risk that changes in a mole, like itchiness, may be linked to skin cancer.

In most cases, moles do not develop into cancer. They may become itchy for reasons as simple as using new laundry soap or tanning lotion.

It's essential to have an abnormal or itchy mole checked by a healthcare provider who specializes in dermatology. They can spot changes that are cause for concern. This includes changes in symmetry, color, shape, size, height, and borders of the mole.

A Word From Verywell

It is important for you to check your skin monthly and have a yearly clinical skin exam by a healthcare provider. Remember, if you find anything abnormal, report it to your healthcare provider as soon as possible, and don't wait for your next yearly check-up.