Moles are common skin growths. While most are harmless, redness around a mole can sometimes cause concern. Understanding the reasons behind this redness is important, as it can range from minor, temporary issues to indicators of a more serious condition.
Benign Causes of Redness Around a Mole
Redness around a mole does not always signal a serious problem; it often results from everyday factors. Physical irritation is a common cause, such as friction from clothing, jewelry, or scratching. A minor injury or trauma to the mole, like a nick during shaving, can also induce temporary redness and soreness.
Inflammation can also arise from a pimple or an ingrown hair near the mole. As some new moles form, a faint halo of redness might be observed as part of their natural development. This redness is generally transient and resolves on its own.
Concerning Signs and Conditions
Persistent or changing redness around a mole can be a sign of a more significant underlying condition, including skin cancers. Melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, may present with redness indicating the mole is changing or evolving. This redness might spread beyond its original border or be accompanied by new symptoms like itching, tenderness, or bleeding.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), other common types of skin cancer, can also manifest with redness. BCCs might appear as a reddish patch or irritated area that may crust or itch. SCCs often present as rough or scaly red patches that might bleed or develop into non-healing sores. These lesions typically occur on sun-exposed areas of the skin.
Healthcare providers often use the ABCDE framework to identify concerning moles. “E” for “Evolving” refers to any change in a mole’s size, shape, color, or other characteristics over time. This includes new or changing redness, swelling, itching, or bleeding, which can signal abnormal development.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical advice if redness around a mole is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. If the redness does not resolve within a few weeks, or if it expands or becomes more intense, a professional evaluation is advisable. Any pain, tenderness, or itching also warrant prompt attention.
Bleeding or oozing from the mole, especially without a clear cause, is another important reason to consult a doctor. If the mole itself shows any changes in size, shape, color, or if its borders become irregular, these signs necessitate a medical examination. Early detection of certain skin conditions can significantly improve outcomes.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office
When you visit a doctor for a mole with redness, they will typically begin with a visual examination of your skin, inspecting the suspicious mole and others for irregularities. The doctor may use a specialized handheld magnifying device called a dermatoscope to view the mole’s structures and colors more closely, which helps distinguish between benign and concerning lesions.
If a mole appears suspicious, the doctor may recommend a biopsy to obtain a tissue sample for laboratory analysis. Common biopsy types include shave biopsies, which remove the top layer of skin, or punch biopsies, which take a deeper, circular sample. In some cases, an excisional biopsy may be performed to remove the entire mole along with a small margin of surrounding skin. The biopsy results will guide the next steps, from continued monitoring to surgical removal.