Most people will have at least one mole on their body, and they can appear anywhere on the skin. Normally, moles are harmless and don’t cause any issues, but it is important to keep an eye on them. When moles start looking irregular, they could be a sign of something more serious, like skin cancer. Dr. Trent Massengale at Atlas Dermatology in Prairieville and Baton Rouge, LA, can explain what moles are and why it’s important to always check for any changes.

Dealing with Moles

Normally, moles are harmless growths that are usually black or brown, circular in shape, and appear anywhere on your body. They can come in all different types of textures and sizes and occur when the cells that are responsible for skin pigmentation grow in clusters instead of spreading out across the skin. Moles tend to be less than a quarter inch in size and will usually appear by the age of 20. Moles tend to last for 50 years and can disappear by themselves over time.

When you start noticing that your moles are rapidly multiplying or there are concerning changes in appearance, it’s time to talk to your dermatologist in Prairieville and Baton Rouge, LA. You should be monitoring your moles regularly to check for any changes in symmetry, border, color, or diameter. If a mole is bleeding, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible.

Some moles can be present at birth or develop over time. It’s common for a person to have anywhere between 10 and 40 moles on their body at a time. When changes start occurring, it could be a sign that you’re dealing with skin cancer and need to start treatment as soon as possible.

Contact Your Dermatologist Today

Don’t hesitate to notify your doctor of any changes in your moles. Contact Dr. Trent Massengale at Atlas Dermatology in Prairieville and Baton Rouge, LA, to learn more about moles and why it’s important to monitor them. Call for more information today at (225) 313-4560 for the office in Baton Rouge, LA, and (844) 313-4560 for the office in Prairieville, LA.