Moles are common skin growths, typically appearing during childhood and adolescence. While usually harmless, an itching mole can be a source of concern. Understanding the various reasons why a mole might itch, from benign causes to more serious indicators, can help determine appropriate action.
Common Causes of Itching
An itching mole is often not a cause for serious concern and can be attributed to everyday factors. Dry skin, friction from clothing or jewelry, or irritating skincare products can cause itchiness. Sunburn or insect bites on or near a mole can also trigger localized itching. If a mole has been recently scratched or irritated, the normal healing process can involve some itching as the skin repairs itself.
Signs That Warrant Concern
While itching can be benign, it may indicate a more serious issue like melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Melanoma often presents with changes in a mole’s appearance, remembered by the “ABCDEs” of detection:
Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
Border irregularity: Uneven, ragged, notched, or blurred edges.
Color variation: Multiple shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
Diameter: Larger than 6 millimeters (roughly the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolving: Any change in the mole’s size, shape, color, or elevation over time.
Other signs that warrant attention include a mole that bleeds, oozes, or develops a scab that does not heal. New moles appearing in adulthood, especially after age 30, should be evaluated by a dermatologist, as most moles develop earlier in life. Changes in sensation, such as tenderness or pain in a mole, are also concerning. If a mole looks significantly different from all the other moles on your body, known as the “ugly duckling” sign, it should be examined.
Next Steps and Self-Monitoring
Regular self-monitoring of your skin is a simple way to detect changes in moles early. Performing a skin self-exam monthly allows you to become familiar with your moles and identify any new or changing spots. When conducting these checks, examine your entire body, including areas not typically exposed to the sun, like the scalp, between fingers and toes, and the soles of your feet.
If you observe any of the concerning signs, such as changes in the ABCDE characteristics, persistent itching, bleeding, or a new mole appearing in adulthood, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. When preparing for a doctor’s visit, make note of when the itching started, any other accompanying symptoms, and any recent changes you have noticed in the mole.
Protecting your skin from the sun is also an important preventative measure. Limiting sun exposure, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, seeking shade, and regularly applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 can help protect existing moles and prevent the formation of new ones.