Unanticipated Scalp Mole Found Post-Haircut
Should this be a cause for concern? I’m a 42-year-old male with light skin and no previous encounters with skin cancer. Typically, I sport longer hair but inadvertently cut it much shorter than intended. During this process, I stumbled upon a mole or a mark on my scalp, and I managed to capture some detailed close-up images. It’s located just a couple of inches behind my ear. My recollection is somewhat unclear, but I seem to recall that about a year or two ago, I scratched it, mistaking it for a pimple or an insect bite, but since then I have had no problems. I will attempt to share the photograph in the comments below.
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 11:31:05 PM
OpenHealth AI
Finding a new or unusual mole on your scalp, especially after a drastic haircut, can prompt some understandable concern. However, it's encouraging that you have no previous encounters with skin cancer and that you've not had issues with this mole since it scratched.
Explanation:
Moles (or nevi) are common skin growths and can change over time. A mole that is stable and has not changed significantly in color, size, shape, or texture over the years is often less concerning. However, it’s essential to monitor any new or changed moles, especially since skin cancer risk can be influenced by factors like skin type, sun exposure, and history of skin issues.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor the Mole: Check for any changes in appearance (color, size, or shape) over the next few weeks. Note any symptoms like itching, bleeding, or tenderness.
-
Self-Exam: Conduct a skin self-exam to identify any other moles or skin changes on your body. Ensure you’re aware of your typical skin patterns.
-
Documentation: Take clear photos of the mole in natural light, allowing you to track any changes more efficiently.
-
Protect Your Skin: Use sunscreen daily, especially on your scalp and areas that are usually exposed to sun. This helps minimize any sun damage that could affect mole development.
-
Consultation Readiness: If you notice any concerning changes or if you’re still worried, consider the next step of reaching out for a dermatological examination. Prepare to share relevant information, including photos and your history with this mole.
It’s important to stay aware of these changes without inducing too much worry. Trust your instincts about your health, and feel empowered to take action if you feel it’s needed. If you have further concerns or questions, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Coping with Heart Palpitations, Persistent Cough, and Ongoing Dizziness
This title may seem a bit ambiguous, but capturing my situation in few words is challenging. Before diving in, I’d like to share that I struggle with a panic disorder and severe health-related obsessive-compulsive disorder. At the age of 18 and biologically female, I have been feeling unwell for the past seven months. Four months ago, I experienced a viral infection, but currently, I don't have a fever, yet the cough persists. Importantly, I have no asthma history, nor do I have any evident lung issues—my lungs were thoroughly examined three times, with no concerns detected. Alongside the cough, I’ve been experiencing significant heart issues. Even light physical activity, like running for a moment, elevates my heart rate to around 180 beats per minute, which is extremely concerning. As a result, dizziness and headaches frequently accompany me, along with leg discomfort and tingling sensations in my fingers. My resting heart rate typically ranges from 60 to 80 beats per minute. I also underwent cardiac evaluations due to chest pains, but thankfully, all the results came back normal. Currently, I am taking various medications, including Melatonin, Fluoxetine, B12, and Vitamin D. Additionally, I have an arm implant for birth control, which I’ve had for about a year now.
Calf Discomfort After Lunging: Could It Be Achilles Tendon, Muscular or Another Issue?
I am a 40-year-old man who recently experienced discomfort while playing pickleball. During a forward lunge, I noticed a slight pain emanating from the lower part of my calf muscle. This sensation has persisted, becoming somewhat sore, particularly noticeable during physical activity – like when I jump – and especially uncomfortable in the mornings. Additionally, the area feels tender to the touch, though the pain is not localized; it's more general along the backside of my leg, beneath the calf muscle. I’m curious whether this could be an issue with my Achilles tendon, a muscle strain, or something entirely different. Is it advisable to rest and engage in light exercise until the soreness subsides? My primary worry is exacerbating the situation. Currently, I rate the pain at a level 2, which peaked at a level 4 during the initial incident.
Ladd Procedure History and Weightlifting Concerns
Greetings everyone! I’m a 20-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 125 pounds. In my early years, I underwent a Ladd procedure aimed at correcting an intestinal malrotation. In addition to that, I had my appendix removed during the same surgery, or so I have been told. On my abdomen, there is a horizontal scar approximately 3.5 inches long, initiated above my belly button, but throughout my life, I have not encountered any problems associated with either my abdomen or the scar. Now, I am considering taking up weightlifting, which, to my knowledge, often entails generating intra-abdominal pressure. I harbor concerns regarding the possibility of developing a hernia since I've heard that scar tissue can be particularly fragile. In the past, I’ve lifted weights without any complications; however, I’m now interested in core exercises that specifically involve creating intra-abdominal pressure and practices like stomach vacuums. Given my surgical background, should I be wary of an elevated risk of injury? Are there other factors I should be aware of, aside from these concerns? As an adult, I have never received detailed information about the procedure I went through. If I’ve inadvertently breached any guidelines, please inform me so that I can rectify my post accordingly.
Experiencing Dizziness After Exposure to UV Light
At 14 years old, I recently engaged in a school experiment involving a high-intensity UV lamp. Given its strength, I made sure to consult my teacher for guidance on how to handle the setup correctly. Following her instructions, I covered the lamp with a styrofoam box during operation. Although I noticed a minor melting spot at the top of the box from its previous uses, my teacher reassured me that it was still safe to proceed. Once everything was arranged, I activated the UV lamp and was struck by the striking violet glow emanating from within. However, almost immediately, I began to feel a wave of dizziness wash over me, which prompted me to step away from the light source. Fortunately, after a brief period of a few minutes, the disorientation subsided, allowing me to resume the experiment without further issues. Should I be concerned about my reaction to the UV exposure?
Navigating Health Concerns: Seeking Guidance
Greetings, medical professionals, I’m a 19-year-old female reaching out because I’ve been enduring continuous physical discomfort and emotional strain, and I would greatly appreciate your advice on my situation. In December of last year, I underwent a thyroid ultrasound that identified five nodules categorized as TI-RADS 5, all measuring under 1 cm. Two of these were located in the right lobe (0.2 × 0.1 cm and 0.9 × 0.1 cm), while three were found in the left lobe, with the largest one measuring 0.2 × 0.2 cm. Due to their diminutive size, the recommendation was to delay a biopsy and instead have a follow-up ultrasound in six months. My thyroid hormone levels were reported as normal. The imaging also revealed a lymph node located under my chin, which has been detectable and palpable for nearly three years—this was initially the reason for seeking out the ultrasound. The report described the lymph node as unchanged in size, exhibiting a fatty hilum and an irregular outline, measuring 1.1 × 0.6 cm, with interpretations suggesting that it is reactive in nature. Starting in May 2025, I began to experience back pain, which was classified as mechanical at first. This discomfort started mildly on the left side but gradually affected both sides of my back, with more pronounced pain in the upper left region and sometimes radiating to my neck. Additionally, I started to feel persistent shoulder pain and have experienced unusual arm soreness, even with minor tasks around the house. A few months later, I noticed the development of rashes (the initial signs of which I shared in earlier posts), which necessitated several consultations with dermatologists. Initially diagnosed as scabies, the condition exacerbated despite treatment. There was consideration for vasculitis, but the lab results returned normal. A skin punch biopsy ultimately indicated findings consistent with psoriasiform spongiotic and psoriasiform/nummular dermatitis. While topical steroids helped improve the original rashes, new eruptions have continued to form on my legs, which I perceive as resembling petechiae—flat, small, red spots that do not blanch and are scattered throughout. Additionally, last December brought about swollen lymph nodes and a generalized sense of discomfort. The lymph nodes that have been affected include: • Two nodes in the left lower back near the hip—painful and still palpable after several weeks. • One node in the right groin/lower abdomen—initially painful, now smaller but still present and causing discomfort. • A painless node in the left parotid area (near the cheek). • An oval, painless node in the left axilla (armpit), which was first identified in a breast ultrasound about eight months ago. This node measures 1.3 × 0.7 cm and has not changed in size since. Other issues I’ve been facing: • Shoulder pain that radiates towards my collarbone. • Intermittent pain in my calves and upper legs. • Widespread and unpredictable soreness in my limbs, similar to what one might feel post-exercise. • Random aches in my forearms. • Occasional tingling sensations in my fingers. • One area on my left thigh feels firmer compared to the muscle around it; it's slightly raised and noticeable to the touch, but meets normal resistance when pressed. My right thigh appears unaffected, leaving me uncertain about the significance of this finding. I’m increasingly anxious about serious health issues like lymphoma or thyroid cancer, particularly due to the suspicious nodules I have. This entire experience has been overwhelming—I often find it difficult to determine which symptoms are the most pressing or which specialist could provide the right insights. I feel dismissed at times by medical professionals, as if my symptoms are considered trivial, hastily brushed off during appointments. There’s a growing concern that I might be dealing with a serious health condition that is worsening as more symptoms arise. While I recognize that a proper diagnosis cannot be established online, I would be immensely grateful for insights regarding: • The seriousness of my symptoms. • Recommended tests or evaluations I should pursue. • The appropriateness of waiting for six months before my next imaging. Thank you for your time and any suggestions you may offer.