If a mole is itching, bleeding or crusting, have a dermatologist look at it, especially if there is no clear reason or it does not heal like a normal scrape. Often the cause is simple irritation, such as rubbing or a shaving nick. But the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) lists itching and bleeding among the changes that mean a mole should be examined, because they can sometimes be signs of melanoma.
In the meantime, don't pick at it or try to remove it at home. Note when the change started, take a dated photo, and book a visit.
Common harmless reasons a mole gets irritated
Moles that stick up from the skin, or sit where clothing rubs, can get irritated in everyday life. Common causes include:
- Rubbing from clothing. Bra straps, waistbands, belts, collars and bag straps can rub a mole until it gets red, sore or scabbed.
- Shaving. A razor can nick a raised mole on the face, legs, underarms or bikini area.
- Scratching. Dry skin, eczema or a bug bite near a mole can lead to scratching that breaks the surface.
- Snags. Jewelry, zippers or a rough towel can catch on a raised mole.
- Sunburn. Burned skin around a mole can peel, itch or crust as it heals.
Some growths that look like moles, such as seborrheic keratoses and skin tags, can also get irritated and crusty when they are rubbed.
Even when the cause seems obvious, watch the spot. If it does not heal the way a normal scrape would, bleeds again without a clear reason, or looks different once it heals, get it checked.
Symptoms that warrant a prompt dermatologist visit, per the AAD
According to the AAD, a mole should be checked by a dermatologist if it:
- Itches or bleeds.
- Looks different from your other moles. This is sometimes called the "ugly duckling" sign.
- Is changing in any way, such as in size, shape, color or height.
- Is new and you are 30 or older. The AAD advises having a dermatologist examine any new mole that develops after age 30 for signs of melanoma.
Other changes that are worth a prompt visit:
- Scaling, oozing or bleeding on the surface of a mole. The National Cancer Institute lists surface changes like these among possible signs of melanoma.
- A sore that does not heal, or heals and then comes back.
- Any of the ABCDEs: Asymmetry, an irregular Border, more than one Color, a Diameter larger than about 6 millimeters (though melanomas can be smaller), or Evolving (changing).
- Pain or tenderness. The AAD notes that melanoma can sometimes cause pain, but you can also have melanoma without any pain or discomfort. A mole that does not hurt can still be worth checking.
These changes often turn out to be harmless, but a dermatologist should still see them in person.
What not to do: picking, shaving off or "removing" a mole at home
It can be tempting to deal with an annoying mole yourself. The AAD advises against it. Avoid:
- Picking off the crust or scab. This can cause more bleeding and infection.
- Shaving it off, cutting it or tying it off. Home removal can leave part of the mole behind, cause scarring or lead to infection.
- Mole-removal creams, pastes or home remedies. These can cause allergic reactions and damage the skin.
There is another reason to leave it alone. If a mole needs to be tested, a dermatologist removes it in a way that lets a lab examine the tissue. Removing it at home can destroy what the lab would need to see.
What you can do now:
- If it is bleeding, gently clean it with mild soap and water, press on it with clean gauze until the bleeding stops, and cover it with a bandage.
- If it keeps bleeding despite steady pressure, get urgent care. If the area becomes red, warm, swollen or more painful, or drains pus, call the office promptly.
- Protect it from rubbing, for example with a bandage under a bra strap or waistband.
- Take a clear, dated photo with a ruler next to it for scale.
How to describe the change when you call
Clear details help the office understand what is going on. Before you call or book, jot down:
- When it started. When did you first notice the itching, bleeding or crusting? Did it follow an injury, like a shaving nick?
- What changed. Size, shape, color, height or surface (crust, scale or an open sore).
- How often. Did it bleed once, or does it keep bleeding?
- Where it is. Note the location on your body.
- Photos. Bring any dated photos, including older ones that show the mole.
- Your history. Mention any personal or family history of skin cancer.
- Your medicines. Bring a list, including blood thinners and supplements.
What the dermatologist may do
At the visit, the dermatologist will ask about the change, look closely at the mole and may check the rest of your skin so the mole can be compared with your other spots.
If the mole looks harmless, they may explain what caused the irritation and what to watch for. If it needs a closer look, they may take a shave biopsy in the office. In general, a shave biopsy means numbing the area and using a thin blade to remove the mole, or a sample of it, from the upper layers of skin. The sample goes to a lab, where it is examined under a microscope. Bay Ridge Dermatology performs shave biopsies as part of its surgical services. Ask how and when you will get your results.
If a biopsy shows melanoma, Bay Ridge Dermatology diagnoses it in the office and refers patients to New York City cancer centers for treatment. For some other skin cancers, the practice offers non-surgical treatment options.
If the mole is harmless but keeps getting irritated, you can ask whether removing it makes sense. Bay Ridge Dermatology offers shave mole removal. Cosmetic treatments are not covered by insurance, and whether a removal is treated as medical or cosmetic depends on your situation and your plan, so ask the office before the procedure.
Same-day appointments are offered at Bay Ridge
Bay Ridge Dermatology offers same-day appointments. Availability changes from day to day, so call (347) 497-4984 to ask what is open. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. You can also reach the office through the contact page.
When to see a dermatologist rather than waiting it out
It is reasonable to give a mole a little time to heal after an obvious nick or scrape. Don't wait it out if:
- The itching, bleeding or crusting has no clear cause.
- It is not healing the way a normal scrape would, or it keeps coming back.
- The mole has changed in size, shape, color or height.
- It looks different from your other moles.
- It is new and you are 30 or older.
- You simply are not sure. A dermatologist can examine it and tell you whether it needs anything further.
Bay Ridge Dermatology checks moles and other skin concerns as part of its medical dermatology care, and sees patients of all ages.
For Brooklyn readers
Bay Ridge Dermatology is at 515 84th Street, 1st Floor, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY 11209. If a mole is itching, bleeding or crusting, you can book online or call (347) 497-4984 to have it checked.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For advice about your own skin, see a dermatologist.