One question many people in Encinitas, CA, ask is, “should I get my mole checked out.”
You probably spend a good deal of time outdoors. That’s great, but don’t be surprised by the occasional skin blemish.
Anytime you have a question or concern regarding a mole or any other skin issue, you should contact your Encinitas, CA dermatologists at North County Dermatology Center, PC.
Generally, moles are normal and harmless. The average person will have between ten and forty common moles on their body, usually located above the waist. Most moles are not dangerous, although they may be annoying. Common moles are generally smaller than 5 millimeters wide, round or oval shaped, with smooth surface and distinct edges. They are usually brown, tan or pink. While a common mole can turn cancerous, that is uncommon. It is uncommon to develop new moles later in life.
Sometimes people see a mole that may be slightly larger than a common mole and may have a different color, surface or border. These are known as dysplastic nevi and they are usually not dangerous; it is rare for a dysplastic nevus to turn cancerous.
Neither common moles nor dysplastic nevi need to be removed unless you just want them gone.
If a mole takes on an unusual or unnatural look, it is time to contact your Encinitas dermatologist. In fact, the National Cancer Institute suggests the “ABCDE” rule as a method for checking out unusual moles or other skin growths.
- Asymmetric – The shape of one half of the mole does not match the other half
- Border – Regularly defined borders are normal. Irregular, ragged, notched borders should probably be checked out.
- Color – if the color is uneven, you might want to check it out.
- Diameter – If it changes size, especially if it gets larger, check it out.
- Evolving – If it has changed over the past few weeks or months, check it out.
If you have a question or concern about a mole or other skin issue, consider contacting North County Dermatology Center, PC in Encinitas, CA. For more information call (760) 230-2805.