A mole is a common skin growth formed by a cluster of pigmented cells. Most adults have between 10 and 40 moles, which range in color from pink to dark brown or black. While a mole is typically symptom-free, temporary itching is common and usually harmless. However, any persistent change, including new or worsening itchiness, warrants closer observation and professional evaluation.
Common Causes of Mole Irritation
The most frequent reasons a mole might itch stem from external factors. A raised mole is particularly susceptible to mechanical friction from everyday actions, such as rubbing against clothing seams, bra straps, or seatbelts. This physical interaction can irritate the skin surrounding the mole, leading to a mild itch.
Environmental factors can also cause the skin around a mole to become dry and irritated. Low humidity, harsh soaps, or localized eczema can create itchiness across any part of the skin, including where a mole is situated. Sun exposure is another common culprit, as a sunburn can cause the mole and surrounding skin to peel or feel tender, triggering an itchy response.
Contact dermatitis, a reaction to a substance touching the skin, can be focused on or around a mole. This might be caused by a new laundry detergent, perfume, body lotion, or a topical medication applied nearby. If the itch is mild, temporary, and easily explained by these benign causes, it is not a sign of underlying disease.
Itching as a Warning Sign
When itching is persistent, severe, or occurs alongside other physical changes, it can be a warning sign of malignancy, such as melanoma. This type of itch is caused by changes happening within the mole itself, not external rubbing. While most melanomas do not cause pain or itching, the presence of an itch in a mole that has also changed its appearance requires attention.
Dermatologists use the ABCDE method to identify suspicious moles. The “E” for Evolution is the most relevant sign when considering an itchy mole. Evolution refers to any change in size, shape, color, or height, and includes the onset of new symptoms like itching, bleeding, or tenderness. A mole that begins to itch and also shows characteristics like Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, or a Diameter larger than 6 millimeters, is concerning.
Other concerning signs that may accompany an itch include a mole that starts to bleed spontaneously, develops a crusty surface, or becomes inflamed. The itch associated with developing skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, is often mild but persistent. Monitoring for a sudden or rapid change in a mole’s characteristics, including new or worsening itchiness, is important.
What to Do If a Mole Is Changing
If a mole begins to itch and displays other signs of change, the first action is to document it. Taking a clear, well-lit photograph next to a ruler provides a baseline for monitoring its size and appearance. Note the exact date the change or the itching symptom began to give a medical professional an accurate timeline.
Avoid scratching the mole, as this can cause bleeding and inflammation that may mask more serious symptoms. If the itching persists for several weeks or is accompanied by suspicious features like an irregular border or color change, see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can examine the mole with a specialized magnifying tool called a dermatoscope and determine if a biopsy is required.