When should a mole be seen by a doctor?

How do I know if a mole needs to be checked out?

Self skin surveillance should be a very important part of everyone’s monthly routine but what exactly should you be looking out for when examining my moles?

It’s fairly normal to develop new moles until the age of 40, but there are certainly features that serve as red flags:

• Change in size of a mole
• Change in color or multiple colors within a mole
• Unclear borders
• Pain, itching, or bleeding

Any of those symptoms should prompt a visit to your board-certified dermatologist. These symptoms may not always mean that your mole is cancerous, but they indicate that it should be evaluated.

Skin cancers that are caught at an early stage can be taken care of very easily. I recommend that patients with a family or personal history of skin cancer examine their skin weekly. A family member can help to evaluate areas that are challenging to see such as the back. Some patients even take photographs of evolving moles to keep track. More than anything, being vigilant about your skin health is important.

Schedule a skin exam for you and your family members with Dr. Dupati at Apollo Dermatology!

We look forward to taking care of you at Apollo Dermatology!

Call us at 248-436-4888 or make an appointment with Dr. Dupati today.