Learn the Potential Causes for an Itchy Mole

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 that deserves prompt attention.

There are several causes of itchy moles. Melanoma, which accounts for around 1% of skin cancers, and is responsible for most skin cancer deaths is one cause you wouldn't want to miss. This is why it is important to seek medical attention if you notice any sensory changes or altered appearance of any of your moles.

Understanding Moles

Moles, also described as nevi, are extremely common, and the vast majority of moles do not turn into melanoma. They usually arise before you reach your 20's, and some may be present from birth.

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

Moles arise from cells in the skin called melanocytes. These cells are responsible for the tan we get when we go out in the sun. Some people have a large number of moles, and some may only have a few. They tend to run in families, so if your parents have many moles, you are more likely to have many moles as well.

We don't know exactly why some moles turn cancerous, 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

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

Possible Causes of an Itchy Mole

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 chemicals that are applied to your skin, dryness of your skin, peeling due to a sunburn, and other reasons. This sensation, however, could also be caused by changes within the mole itself, and changing moles deserve our attention.

If you have an itchy mole, ask yourself these questions:

• Are you using a new laundry detergent or a new type of fabric softener?
• Do you use a body lotion that contains fragrances or other chemicals that could be irritating your skin?
• Have you been spritzing yourself with a new cologne, aftershave, or body spray?
• Are you using sunless tanning products?
• Are you being exposed to any chemicals on the job?

Think about what products you use and how they may cause skin irritation. Also, consider exposure to any cleaning products you use, in your home, or in the garage.

All of these can be possible causes of an itchy mole. Even if you think you've determined the cause, however, if your mole is persistently itchy, you should have it examined by your doctor. In some cases, an itchy mole can be a symptom of melanoma.

If you are due for a regular check-up, that's one more reason to make the appointment. But it's also worth its own appointment to have checked.

ABCDE Rule of Skin Cancer Symptoms

A mole that is new or has recently changed in appearance should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Changes that could indicate a problem include:

• Asymmetry: Normal moles or freckles are usually symmetrical. If you were to draw a line through a normal spot, you would have two similar halves. In cases of skin cancer, spots will not look the same on both sides.
• Border: The borders or edges of an abnormal or cancerous mole may be uneven, jagged, or blurry. Normal moles usually have a smooth, rounded border.
• Color: Normal moles are uniform in color. Moles are considered to be abnormal when they are more than one color or shade. This can include lightening or darkening of the mole. Physicians refer to melanomas as often having a classic "red, white, and blue" appearance.
• Diameter: If a mole is larger than a pencil eraser—about 1/4 inch, or 6 millimeters (mm), it is considered to be abnormal. This includes moles that do not have any other abnormalities (color, border, asymmetry). This is even more important if it is a mole that you have had since birth.
• Evolution or Elevation: Evolution refers to any changes in the symmetry, borders, colors, and diameter of an existing mole. Elevation refers to a mole that projects above your skin, especially unevenly.
• Funny looking: Some doctors add yet another letter to the sequence to describe something that is intuitive rather than easily measured. Melanomas, when compared to normal moles, simply look abnormal at times. This is where you need to trust your gut, and our instincts are often correct.

Itching, bleeding, oozing from the mole, or an area that appears to be a scrape but isn't healing in a reasonable amount of time are causes for concern. Sometimes an unusual or new sensation in the region near a mole can be an early symptom of melanoma.

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Moles vs Melanoma

It can be difficult to distinguish colored moles from melanoma. Photos of moles and melanomasshow just how tricky this can be. Your dermatologist will decide whether your mole needs to be examined with a biopsy.

Estimating Your Melanoma Risk

In order to estimate a person's absolute risk of developing invasive melanoma, an interactive tool has been designed by scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of California, San Francisco. The tool assists clinicians in identifying individuals at increased risk of melanoma.

Your doctor can use this tool or other tools to plan appropriate screening interventions for you based on your risk.

A Word From Verywell

You should know that not all abnormal or itchy moles are cancerous. If you have an abnormal or itchy mole, it is very important to have it checked by a dermatologist. An untrained eye cannot determine if a mole is likely to be cancerous or not.

It is important for you to check your skin monthly and have a yearly clinical skin exam by a doctor. During a clinical skin exam, a doctor visually examines the skin to look for any new developments or changes to existing moles or spots. Remember, if you find anything abnormal, report it to your doctor as soon as possible, and don't wait for your next yearly check-up.