Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. Most moles appear in early childhood and continue into adulthood. It is normal to have between 10-40 moles by adulthood.
As the years pass, moles usually change slowly, becoming raised and/or changing color. Sometimes, hairs develop in the mole. Some moles may not change at all, while others may slowly disappear over time. If you notice changes in a mole’s color, height, size, or shape, if they bleed, ooze, itch, or become tender or painful you should have a full body skin check by Dr. Nicolaides to evaluate for skin cancer. It is extremely important to have body checks on a routine basis (we suggest annually) to ensure that any mole that increases in size, color or shape is not overlooked as a potential for melanoma. This is by far the most serious dermatologic condition, and if not treated early, can be life threatening.
