Itchy mole – indication of malignancy/skin cancer?

The black skin cancer, also called malignant melanoma, is gaining more and more importance in the population. The number of new cases has risen dramatically in the last 50 years, which can be attributed to various factors. Many people therefore not only visit their dermatologist or family doctor for skin cancer screening, but also keep a regular eye on their moles and liver spots themselves.

Above all, the question arises as to how a malignant mole can be recognized at all and which symptoms are to be considered suspicious. Itching is not necessarily associated with a malignant skin disease. A mole can also itch due to dry skin or another skin disease.

Nevertheless, if a mole is itchy, one should consult a dermatologist and have the spot examined promptly. A malignant development of the mole can also lead to itching. Especially suspicious are liver spots that also show other typical signs of malignant skin cancer.

These include, for example, a blurred border, bleeding, encrustation, pain or an irregular coloration of the spot. An itching that is sharply limited to the mole and does not also affect other parts of the skin is particularly suspicious. The latter would indicate, for example, another underlying skin disease that causes the itching.

What to do in case of an itchy mole?

If a mole itches, you should first of all refrain from using any ointments or similar. If a skin disease is present, ointments and creams that have been applied before can influence the skin appearance. This means that a dermatologist cannot evaluate the skin appearance in its original state.

Light cooling, for example in the form of a wet washcloth, can alleviate the itching in the acute situation. An itchy mole or liver spot should then be promptly examined by a dermatologist to clarify the cause. One should definitely refrain from scratching the mole, even if this is difficult. Scratching only leads to further irritation and can even promote infection. A small patch can help to shield the itchy mole a little, since contact with clothing can also increase the itching.