Moles, also called nevi, are common skin growths that may or may not be a health risk.

They are typically brown, but can also red, pink, black, tan, skin-colored or colorless. Moles are generally round and may be flat or slightly raised, and they should not change in size or shape over time.

While most do not require medical attention, a dermatologist can remove a mole that the patient finds unattractive, that causes discomfort (i.e. rubs against clothing) or which looks suspicious. Suspicious ones could indicate cancer.

Suspicious moles have one or more of the following traits:

• Asymmetry — Moles should be symmetrical in shape. If one half of the mole is different from the other half, it signals a red flag.
• Border — Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined borders. It should be easy to tell where the mole ends and regular skin begins.
• Color — Color gradients or multiple colors within the mole indicate a potential malignancy.
• Diameter — A mole that is larger than the size of a pencil eraser may be cause for concern.
• Evolving — Moles that change over time in size, shape or color are a warning sign.

If you have any concerns about a mole, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists immediately.

Causes

These are developed when cells that produce pigment, known as melanocytes, grow in clusters or clumps. Melanin is what gives color to your skin.

Almost every adult has at least a few. Most people have a common mole, which is a harmless type. There are other types of moles. Some things increase a person’s risk for getting melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Some of these include:

• Family history of moles
• Having moles present at birth increases the chances of developing more moles
• Excess sun exposure, such as sunburn

There are also different types of moles that are known to be more susceptible to develop into melanoma. These types are:

• Atypical Moles
• Larger than an eraser on the end of a pencil
• Have an odd shape
• Show more than 1 color
• Can appear anywhere on the body
• Can run in families
• Moles that develop after birth
• Having 50 or more moles puts you at greater risk

Symptoms

Most people have at least a few on their body. A mole on your body has these traits:

• One color- Often brown, but a mole can be tan, black, red, pink, blue, skin-toned, or colorless
• Round in shape
• Flat or slightly raised
• Looks the same from month to month

Treatment

A dermatologist will remove a mole by surgical excision or shaving if it:

• Bothers a patient
• A patient finds it unattractive
• Could be skin cancer
• This is typically done during an office visit.

Trust The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery for personalized, expert solutions for your skin.

Schedule your appointment today.

About Vitiligo and Skin Pigment Disorders

What are they?

Vitiligo is the patchy loss of your skin’s natural color. This occurs when melanin, the pigment that determines your skin’s color, is damaged or destroyed. Although vitiligo can negatively impact your self-esteem, it is physically harmless. Vitiligo affects about 2 percent of Americans and develops in people of all skin colors; however, if you have dark skin, the contrast between the dark skin and the lighter areas of color loss is more noticeable. Moreover, this condition is often unpredictable. You may personally experience only small patches of pigment loss, but for others, the condition may be much more widespread. It can be temporary for some and permanent for others. In extreme cases, it can alter a hair or eye color and/or develop inside the mouth.

What causes it?

The exact causes of vitiligo are unknown, but several possibilities are thought to be major contributors. Among these include immune system dysfunction, certain viruses, stress, sunburn, injury, and exposure to certain chemicals. As mentioned, symptoms include the development of white patches of skin, often with reddish-brown boundaries. These white patches can appear on many areas of the body, including the forehead, eye area, lips, mouth, hands, arms, elbows, underarms, knees, feet, neck, and torso.

Common treatments

Treatment for vitiligo varies and depends on the extent of your specific form of vitiligo. Realistic expectations are important and should include reducing the contrast between your normal skin and the lighter areas and improving your self-esteem and confidence. Effective solutions for vitiligo include topical medications, sun avoidance and/or sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum), UV-B light therapy, a combination light, and medication therapy, or, in severe cases, skin grafting.

Our approach & expertise

We know that sudden or unusual changes in your pigmentation, such as with vitiligo, can cause social and emotional distress. As your knowledgeable community skin healthcare providers, we have the knowledge to help you manage this condition. We” work with you to find the best solution, and you can lean on us for support in managing this condition. The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery: Advanced care for your skin, every step of the way.

Schedule your appointment today.

About Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

What is it?

What causes it?

Common treatments

About Rosacea

What is it?

Rosacea is characterized by persistent skin redness, the prominence of blood vessels, blotchiness, and reddish bumps or pimples on the face; it’s as if you have the inclination to blush or flush quickly and without reason. In particular, it commonly develops in the cheeks, chin, nose, forehead, ears, and neck.

What causes it?

The exact causes of rosacea are unknown, although genetics, problem blood vessels, and irregular immune system function are thought to contribute. There are, however, known common triggers that you should avoid, such as sun exposure, alcohol, spicy foods, and hot liquids.

Common treatments

There is no outright “cure” for rosacea and it is often unpredictable; even if you avoid triggers and follow a treatment plan that eliminates the symptoms, it can return without warning. However, the skin experts at our dermatology practice can help you manage the condition by minimizing symptoms as much as possible. For milder cases, topical medications can reduce redness while oral medications can shrink bumps and pimples. For more severe symptoms, laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy is effective for improving blood vessels and/or reducing blushing and flushing.

Our approach & expertise

About Hair Loss

What is it?

The average human head has more than 100,000 healthy hairs, and many people have well over 150,000. Typically, you may lose around 50-100 of these hairs every day, which isn’t noticeable. However, once you start to lose well over 100 individual hairs daily, your loss starts to affect your appearance. Both men and women are affected by hair loss but in different ways. For example, while it’s common for men to have a noticeable loss on their hairline or crown, women tend to experience thinning hair in a more random, widespread pattern. Women also usually have localized loss because of repeated hair trauma, such as from hair being pulled tightly back in a ponytail or bun.

What causes it?

There are various reasons contributing to the hair loss. The most common causes include genetics, frequent stress, poor nutrition, certain medications, emotional issues, and trauma or injury.

Common treatments

The experts at our dermatology practice have the experience and knowledge to provide you with solutions that stabilize loss and help stimulate hair growth. Among these options are Minoxidil, an over-the-counter topical lotion that we also offer in prescription strength; Finasteride, an oral medication; and Spironolactone, another oral medication.

Our approach & expertise