OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Should I Worry About New Moles After a Sunburn?

6/18/2025, 8:30:25 AMMale25-34

As a 16-year-old male, I’ve never experienced anything like this before. The last medication I used was antibiotics a few days ago. The issue at hand is straightforward. I suffered a severe sunburn yesterday, affecting about 35% of my skin, leaving it bright red. In the area of my back that received the most sun, I noticed the sudden appearance of approximately 7 to 8 new moles. They seem normal in color and shape. Is this something I should be worried about?

FibromyalgiaThyroid DisordersInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

6/18/2025, 8:30:50 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about new moles, especially after experiencing a severe sunburn. While sunburn can lead to changes in the skin, including the appearance of new moles, there are important factors to consider regarding skin health.

Main Points:

  • New moles can sometimes develop after skin trauma, like sunburn. However, monitoring changes is essential.
  • Pay attention to the characteristics of the moles, including color, size, symmetry, and any changes over time.

Explanation:

Sunburn can cause inflammation and damage to the skin, which may trigger the development of new moles. It's important to keep a close eye on these new moles. The fact that they appear normal in color and shape is reassuring, but new moles should still be monitored for any changes.

Next Steps:

  1. Observe the Moles: Over the next few weeks, watch for any changes in size, color, or shape. Normal moles are usually symmetrical, uniform in color, and don't change much over time.
  2. Protect Your Skin: Given your recent sunburn, it’s vital to protect your skin from further sun exposure. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when going outside, even if it's cloudy.
  3. Soothe the Burn: Keep the affected area moisturized to help the sunburn heal. Apply aloe vera gel or a fragrance-free moisturizer.
  4. Seek Help If Needed: If any of the new moles become itchy, painful, or start to bleed, or if you notice any other concerning symptoms, consider showing them to a dermatologist for evaluation.

Remember, monitoring skin changes is key, and it's always better to seek professional advice if you're unsure. Taking these steps will help you manage your skin health effectively after your sunburn.

Related Questions

Healing Progress Post-GBS: Toe Concerns

I am a 28-year-old male, measuring 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 131 pounds. My current medications include Fomadatine and Zyrtec, prescribed due to my ongoing battle with Chronic Gastritis and SIBO. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from both smoking and alcohol. My health concern revolves around the toe adjacent to my pinky toe on my left foot, as well as my pinky toe on the right foot. Since August of last year, I have been on the mend from Guillain Barre Syndrome. Recently, I've noticed that at night, the skin on my feet tends to turn a reddish pink, although this usually improves after I walk around. However, two of my toes have remained red, with one appearing slightly swollen. Generally, my pinky toes are quite thick, but the condition of my left foot's toe is worrisome for me. It seems that I'm unable to upload an image to illustrate my issue.

FibromyalgiaCrohn's DiseaseCOPD
Male25-34
37 seconds ago

Swelling Beneath My Chin Near the Jawline

18-Year-Old Male: I'm reaching out to any medical professionals who might provide insights into my situation. I've been using marijuana since I was 14, but now, at 17, I'm making an effort to stop and have been clean for 18 days. Recently, I've discovered an unusual swelling located just beneath my chin, behind my jaw. It causes some discomfort when I move, yet it doesn’t feel painful continuously. I'm somewhat anxious that this could be indicative of a more serious issue, especially considering it's positioned near my chin's lymph nodes. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as it might help alleviate my worry.

ArthritisLupusInternal Medicine
Male25-34
10 minutes ago

Challenges with Appetite and Discomfort While Eating — Difficulty in Gaining Weight

As an 18-year-old male, I find that I become satisfied after consuming rather minimal amounts of food. This situation presents a considerable challenge, particularly since I only need to have a standard breakfast, lunch, or dinner to feel completely satiated for the remainder of the day. My goal of increasing my weight has made this issue even more complicated. When I limit myself to one meal per day, I often face weight loss or an uncomfortable sensation of fullness that leaves me feeling sluggish. Opting for two meals makes me feel excessively bloated, distracting me from my daily responsibilities. Moreover, I suffer from an unusual issue with my throat, where almost any food I consume causes discomfort, as detailed in the list below. I have contemplated focusing on having just lunch while continuing my weightlifting regimen to maintain my current weight and gradually build muscle. What advice could you offer? Could there be an underlying cause for these symptoms? Lastly, would it be wise for me to consult a healthcare professional? Foods That Cause Discomfort: Bread, flour, pizza, fruits, sugary or starchy items, seed oils, chips, and essentially everything else. Foods That Are Tolerable: Rice, salads, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Overall Symptoms Include: * Quick satiety after normal meals * Challenges in gaining weight * Bloated and lethargic sensations when consuming more than one meal * Persistent throat sensitivity to a wide variety of foods

Thyroid DisordersInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
20 minutes ago

Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?

A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?

LupusThyroid DisordersInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Concerns About Angular Cheilitis

I’m a 23-year-old woman with no history of smoking, and I’m seeking assistance regarding a health issue. Back in January, I experienced angular cheilitis three times, each episode involving a minor crack at the corner of my mouth that healed within a few days. Following the last occurrence, I became quite anxious due to saliva accumulation in that area. I found myself frequently brushing my finger along that spot. After a few days, I observed a small area forming that appeared white and had a rough texture. Eventually, I realized it was not just a coincidence, and I started taking action, but only after it became noticeably larger. To address it, I cleaned the area with a mix of alcohol and apple cider vinegar. I’m uncertain about what this issue could be, but I’ve recently begun using over-the-counter Clotrimazole cream while also keeping the area moisturized with either lanolin or petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed any improvement, and I’m concerned as it seems to be expanding. The patch continues to be rough and excessively dry. Although I can open my mouth wide without any cracks forming, I do feel tension in the skin, similar to having a bandage over that location. At times, I experience a burning sensation after thorough washing, and I’ve noticed tiny red spots appearing on the outer edges of the patch sporadically.

LupusInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
1 hour ago