Skin Changes: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Have you had changes in a mole or other colored skin spot?

See significance of a mole or colored skin spot that bleeds or changes in size, shape, texture, color, or sensation if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has a mole or colored skin spot gotten larger?

Yes

Has a mole or colored skin spot developed jagged or scalloped edges (irregular borders)?

Yes

Has part or all of a mole or colored skin spot turned red, white, blue, black, or a mix of colors?

Yes

Has part or all of a mole or colored skin spot lost its color?

Yes

Has color from part or all of a mole or colored skin spot spread into surrounding skin?

Yes

Has a flat mole or colored skin spot become thicker or raised?

Yes

Does a mole or colored skin spot look scaly, crusty, or worn down (eroded)?

Yes

Does a mole or colored skin spot itch, tingle, burn, or hurt when you touch it?

Yes

Do you have an open sore (ulcer) in a mole or colored skin spot?

Yes

Has a mole or colored skin spot started to break off or bleed easily?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	July 10, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer