Changes Noted in Atypical Mole Hair Growth
Greetings, I am a 32-year-old man residing in the UK. I neither smoke nor drink alcohol, and I am not on any medication at the moment. Since childhood, I've had an atypical mole located on my back, which has not caused me any concerns over the years. I consistently engage in safe sun practices—applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing outdoors, and avoiding excessive sun exposure. For reassurance, I take periodic photographs of the mole. On the 20th, I captured an image of it, and after taking another today, I observed that some hair from the center of the mole appears to be missing. Typically, there are two small areas densely populated with dark hair, but currently, only one remains. I have experienced no pain, bleeding, or itching associated with this change. Should I consider scheduling a visit to my general practitioner? I will provide photographs for reference; I apologize for the poor quality as it’s challenging to capture clear images in that area. The photo from the 20th is on the left, while the one from today is on the right. Thank you for your assistance.
Answers (1)
7/23/2025, 2:21:06 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you’ve been proactive about your skin and sun safety, especially with a history of an atypical mole. Noticing changes, such as hair loss in the center of the mole, can naturally bring some concern. Here’s a clear breakdown of your situation:
Main Points: You’ve observed hair loss in an atypical mole that has been stable for years, with no accompanying symptoms like pain or bleeding. While changes can occur in moles, monitoring is key to understanding whether further action is needed.
Explanation: Atypical moles can sometimes change over time, and hair loss is not uncommon. It could be due to various benign reasons, including friction from clothing, localized skin changes, or even just normal aging. However, any noticeable change in the appearance of a mole should be evaluated to rule out more serious conditions.
Next Steps:
- Monitor the Mole: Continue taking regular photographs to track any additional changes in size, shape, color, or texture over the next few weeks.
- Check for Other Symptoms: Stay aware of any new signs such as itching, bleeding, or pain in the area.
- Schedule an Appointment: Given your concerns about the hair loss and the nature of the atypical mole, it would be wise to consult your general practitioner (GP). They can examine the mole more closely, possibly performing a dermatoscopic assessment.
- Document Changes: When visiting your GP, bring along the photographs you've taken to illustrate the changes you've noticed. This can help in evaluation.
Your concern is valid and consulting with a healthcare professional will provide the reassurance and clarity you need. If you have any more questions or need further support, feel free to ask!
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