Because moles are common, you might not give much thought to those on your skin until you have a painful mole.
Here's what you need to know about painful moles, including when to see a doctor.
Moles are common, with many people having as many as 10 to 40 moles, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
Different types of skin moles include:
Even though pain can be a symptom of cancer, many cancerous moles don't cause pain. So cancer isn't a likely cause for a mole that's sore or tender.
You may have pain if a pimple forms underneath a mole. The mole prevents the pimple from reaching your skin's surface. This blockage can trigger minor soreness or pain until the pimple goes away.
Keep in mind that skin moles vary considerably. Some moles are small and flat, whereas others are larger, raised, or hairy.
A hairy mole can get an ingrown hair, which can lead to irritation and inflammation around the mole. This can cause redness and pain at the slightest touch.
Ingrown hairs heal on their own, although you may need a topical antibiotic if a hair follicle becomes infected.
A flat mole may go unnoticed and not cause any problems. But there's the risk of injury with a raised or elevated mole.
Depending on the location of a raised mole, clothing and jewelry may repeatedly rub against the mole and cause soreness or irritation. Or, you may accidentally scratch a raised mole. This can also cause pain, and even bleeding.
An infection may develop if you scratch a mole and bacteria gets into your skin. Signs of a skin infection include bleeding, swelling, pain, and fever.
Even though a painful mole can have a non-cancerous cause, some melanomas are accompanied by pain and soreness.
Melanoma is a very rare form of skin cancer, but also the most dangerous form.
Check for these changesSee a doctor for mole pain that doesn't go away after a few days or a week. A skin check is especially important when an acquired or atypical mole changes shape, size, color, or becomes painful.
It's rare, but an acquired mole can change into melanoma. Three types of acquired moles include:
You should also see a doctor for any new skin growths — including moles — to rule out skin cancer.
A painful mole with non-cancerous causes will likely heal on its own, and you probably don't need a doctor. Self-care measures alone can stop pain and irritation.
If you repeatedly injure a raised mole, you can discuss removal with a dermatologist.
When a pimple forms underneath a mole, pain and irritation will go away once the pimple clears up. To help the pimple clear-up, practice good skin care habits to reduce new breakouts.
For example:
Melanoma accounts for about 1 percent of all skin cancer, but it has the highest rate of skin cancer death. So it's important that you know how to recognize this cancer and other skin cancers.
Signs and symptoms of melanoma include a new mole or growth on the skin. This mole may have an irregular shape, uneven shade, and may be larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
A mole that changes in texture, shape, or size can also indicate melanoma.
Other symptoms include:
Other types of skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These types of skin cancers don't develop from a mole. They grow slowly and don't usually metastasize, but can be life-threatening, too.
Symptoms of basal cell carcinomas include a pink, waxy skin lesion without a defined border.
Signs of squamous cell carcinomas include a wart-like red patch on the skin with an irregular border and an open sore.
Don't believe common skin cancer myths. But do keep a few things in mind:
Schedule an appointment with your doctor or a dermatologist if a painful mole doesn't improve after a week. You should also see a doctor if you have a new skin growth or signs such as:
A painful mole can have non-cancer-related causes and heal on its own with self-care. But while melanoma isn't a likely cause of this pain, it is possible. See a doctor for pain that doesn't improve or worsens. Melanoma is treatable if caught early.