Moles are pigmentation deposits on your skin and are merely a cosmetic imperfection. However, an itchy mole is definitely a cause for concern. Moles can grow and change as you age, and can even appear in new places, or disappear from older ones.
Malignization of moles can occur over time.
While itchiness is the most common form of malignization, any changes in a mole should be immediately checked by a doctor, preferably a dermatologist
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Signs Of Malignization
A mole may become malignant, and thus, should be a cause for concern, especially if any of the following changes occur in your mole, or around it:
- Itchiness in the mole, or around it
- Redness of skin near the mole, usually surrounding it
- Peeling of skin covering the moles
- Growth in moles
- Sensation of liquid in the mole
- Burning of skin, or pain in the mole
- Ulceration in the changing mole
- Lack of hair growth surrounding the mole, or on it
All these signs could be a red flag for various skin conditions that need to be examined by a dermatologist at the earliest possible. An itchy mole might occur due to tight, uncomfortable clothing, particularly if you have an itchy mole on arms, or if it’s an itchy mole on the back. It is still highly advisable that you consult a doctor, and ask for a reason for such a condition to arise.
Why Consult a Doctor?
Consulting a doctor regarding the abnormalities in your mole, especially if it’s an itchy mole on back or chest, or anywhere else, is essential. These symptoms could be a sign of any of the following conditions:
- Hormonal changes
Intake of hormonal drugs, or natural hormonal changes can create imbalances in your body. This is particularly the case for pregnant women, and women going through menopause. If any of these signs appear, make sure your gynaecologist knows about them, because under such conditions the risk of malignization is particularly high.
- Melanoma
Melanoma, or as it is commonly known, skin cancer, does not have many symptoms. An itchy mole on the chest or the back is frequently ignored, while this is perhaps one of the most prominent symptoms of the disease. If your birthmark mole is itchy, and grows actively, there is a great chance that it may become malignant. Thus, getting it checked out is essential.
- Allergic reactions
We live in a world of chemicals and fragrances. While we are aware of the common allergies we have, such as peanuts or dust, we do not consider the fact that we may be allergic to substances used in common household items, such as laundry detergents, body sprays, tanning sprays or any other similar products. If an itchy mole on the arm, hands or any other body part appears, consider what new products you have started using. It might just be your body reacting to strong chemicals.
- Exposure to UV rays
Using tanning beds, excessive sunbathing, or any other form of exposure to UV rays, such as working in an environment with UV equipment, can cause an itchy mole. Similar to Melanoma, an itchy mole on the arm, or any exposed area, may be a red flag for a skin disease, and it needs to be checked out for early detection of any skin disease and prevention of further damage.
If you are not sure why the mole is reacting, and you feel that you really do need to visit a dermatologist or oncologist, while being on a waiting list for the doctor, you can try to reduce the itching using a weak vinegar solution to dampen a sterile bandage, and place it on the mole.
Is My Mole Really Cancerous?
To check for yourself if the mole may or may not be cancerous, there exists and ABCDE rule. Although an evaluation by the dermatologist should be conducted, you should definitely know this rule:
- Asymmetry: in most cases, moles and freckles are usually symmetrical, and will have symmetrical halves, while a cancerous growth may not be symmetrical, and will usually have an odd shape.
- Border: if your mole is a malignant growth, it will have a border or an outline that is blurred, and uneven.
- Colour: regular moles are evenly coloured, and the pigment distribution is equal. In case the distribution is unequal, or the itchy mole is slightly darker, this could be the cause for concern.
- Diameter: if the diameter of a mole is greater than approximately 6mm, or a quarter inch, it needs to be checked out. Any regular mole should not be larger than this, irrespective of any other symptom.
- Evolution: any changes in any of the features of a mole should be observed, and any red flags should be immediately be reported to your doctor.
If any of these characteristics hold true, especially that of size, you need to get the mole checked out by a dermatologist.
Do You Really Need To Remove The Mole?
If you want to eliminate any risk and get your itchy moles removed, just in case here are some things you need to consider:
- Mole removal should only be done by a certified dermatologist, or oncologist, in the sterile environment of a proper clinic or hospital.
- Moles that will be in contact with clothes, and those in the folds of your skin, should be removed. Such moles can easily be scathed, and they need to be removed to prevent damage.
- Elevated moles that form tiny bumps on your skin should be removed, because the risk of malignization and skin damage is high.
If you really want to get your moles removed, you should focus on these areas and avoid those on your face and private parts.
Do Not Panic
While abnormal moles are a cause of concern, it is essential to understand it might not always be cancerous. A trained eye, such as that of a dermatologist, should be consulted. Make sure you choose a good dermatologist to determine why the mole is abnormal, and whether a biopsy is needed. A biopsy is a test of the tissue to determine whether the growth is cancerous, and it can help in providing evidence of cancer.
It is important to understand that until the biopsy gives a verdict, you do not need to panic, because the itchy mole on your chest, neck, and other body parts may be caused by something else.
