A mole itches or changes – what to do?

Moles are a normal part of the skin for many people. Most are harmless and change very little over the years. But what does it mean when a mole suddenly itches, grows, or changes color?

Such changes should be taken seriously and examined by a dermatologist. Not every change is dangerous, but in some cases they can indicate skin cancer or a melanoma.

At JUVENIS in Vienna, modern diagnostic methods help to detect suspicious skin changes early.

Moles can change over the course of life. Often these changes are harmless and age-related.

Possible causes are:

• natural aging processes of the skin
• hormonelle Veränderungen
• intensive Sonneneinstrahlung
• mechanical irritation from clothing or shaving

Nevertheless, new or unusual changes should always be examined.

Special attention is warranted when a mole:

• suddenly itches
• grows larger
• changes color
• develops irregular borders
• bleeds or oozes
• becomes painful
• is noticeably different from other moles

These changes do not automatically mean skin cancer, but they should be evaluated promptly by a dermatologist.

A helpful guide is the so-called ABCD rule:

A – Asymmetry
One half of the mole is noticeably different from the other.

B – Border
The borders appear blurred, frayed, or irregular.

C – Color
Multiple shades of color within a mole may be noticeable.

D – Diameter
A diameter of more than five to six millimetres should be monitored.

An itchy mole isn't necessarily dangerous. Dry skin, friction, or skin irritation are often responsible. However, if the itching persists or is accompanied by other changes, a dermatological examination should be carried out.

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. If a melanoma in particular is detected early, treatment options and chances of recovery are usually significantly better.

Regular skin checks help detect changes early.

At JUVENIS in Vienna, suspicious moles are examined using modern dermatological methods such as digital dermatoscopy. This allows changes in the skin to be assessed and documented in detail. In this way, suspicious skin areas can be detected early and, if necessary, further investigated.

Regular skin checks are especially recommended for people with:

• many moles
• fair skin
• a family history
• a history of frequent sunburns
• significant UV exposure

An itchy or changing mole is not automatically a cause for concern – but it should always be taken seriously. Changes in shape, color, size, or structure should be examined by a dermatologist.

Regular skin cancer screening and the early examination of suspicious moles help detect skin changes early and protect skin health in the long term.

You can find more information on our website here:Muttermalkontrolle & Hautkrebsvorsorge

Contact us, we will be happy to inform you!