Which changes in the skin should I keep an eye on and when should I see a doctor?
December 4, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Bernd Schlosser
Dear dermatologist,
My name is Ella Pilz and I am reaching out to you because I am concerned about my skin and unsure about which skin changes I should be keeping an eye on and when I should see a doctor. Over the past few weeks, I have noticed that some moles on my skin have changed. Some have grown larger, others have changed color, and some itch occasionally.
I am not sure if these changes are normal or if I should be worried. I have heard that changes in moles can be a sign of skin cancer, and that worries me. I have also noticed some irregularities on my skin that I cannot identify. For example, I have small red spots on my chest and back that do not go away.
I am wondering if these spots could be a sign of a skin condition and if I should therefore see a doctor. I am unsure if my skin changes are harmless or if they need to be medically evaluated. I would like to know exactly what signs I should be looking out for and when I should make an appointment with a dermatologist.
I would greatly appreciate your assessment and thank you for your help in advance.
Sincerely,
Ella Pilz
Dear Ella Pilz,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a dermatologist. It is understandable that you are concerned about your skin, especially if you have noticed changes in your moles and are unsure if they are worrisome.
It is important to keep an eye on changes in moles, as they can actually be a sign of skin cancer. The so-called ABCDE rule can help you determine if a mole is potentially worrisome. A stands for Asymmetry, B for Border, C for Color, D for Diameter, and E for Evolution or Change. If a mole is asymmetrical, has irregular borders, varies in color, has a diameter larger than 6mm, or is changing, you should see a dermatologist.
The fact that some of your moles have grown larger, changed color, and some itch are indeed signs that they should be examined more closely. It is important that you schedule an appointment with a dermatologist promptly to have these changes assessed and possibly undergo further examinations such as a skin biopsy.
The small red spots on your chest and back could have various causes, from harmless skin irritations to skin conditions such as eczema or rubella. It is difficult to make a diagnosis without a thorough examination. Therefore, I also recommend that you schedule an appointment with a dermatologist regarding these skin changes.
In general, it is advisable to consult a doctor for unclear skin changes. It is better to see a dermatologist too often than to overlook potentially worrisome skin changes. Regular skin examinations are particularly important if you have many moles or are at an increased risk of skin cancer.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in your area to have your skin changes evaluated. Your health is paramount, and it is important not to overlook any potential warning signs.
I wish you all the best and am available to assist you if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Bernd Schlosser, Dermatologist
