Moles, Birthmarks, and Skin Tags: When to Seek a Dermatological Evaluation
Moles, birthmarks, and skin tags are typically benign, but they may also be a reason to visit your dermatologist for a dermatological evaluation. The dermatologists at Sand Dermatology provide a wide range of dermatology services, including dermatological evaluations of moles, skin tags, and birthmarks. They have two convenient office locations in Chino Hills, and Orange, CA, to help you and your skin.
What You Need To Know About Moles, Birthmarks, and Skin Tags
First, let’s talk about moles, which are formed when melanocytes clump together. Melanocytes are the skin cells responsible for skin color. Changes to the size, shape, or color of a mole could indicate an early stage of skin cancer. You should seek out your dermatologist if you have a mole that is:
- Large, with a diameter greater than 6 millimeters
- Poorly defined, with ragged, uneven borders
- Asymmetrical, with a non-uniform shape
- Recurring, after previous removal
- Itching, bleeding, or oozing fluid
Birthmarks are typically benign, but you may want a birthmark removed for cosmetic reasons, especially if the birthmark is in a visible area like your face, or if the birthmark is large and unsightly.
Skin tags are also typically benign. They form in places where skin rubs together, including underarms, the back of your knees, and other areas. You may want a skin tag removed if it has become irritated and painful, or if it is in an area where clothing rubs against it.
Moles, birthmarks, and skin tags can be removed using several different methods. Your dermatologist may recommend:
- Cryotherapy, to freeze the tissue so it sloughs off
- Laser therapy, using heat and light to fade a birthmark
- Surgical removal of the mole, birthmark, or skin tag
In some cases, your dermatologist may recommend a biopsy of the tissue to determine if the tissue is benign, abnormal, or cancerous.
Want To Know More?
To find out more about moles, birthmarks, and skin tags, and when to visit your dermatologist for an evaluation, talk with the experts. Call the dermatologists at Sand Dermatology. You can reach them in Chino Hills, CA, by calling (909) 313-5111, or in Orange, CA, by calling (714) 987-9880, so call today.
