Worried About a Mole
Greetings, I'm a 19-year-old guy, standing at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing around 180 pounds. I smoke occasionally, roughly once every three months. I have concerns about a mole on my skin. During my time as a lifeguard, I didn't consistently use sunscreen, which worries me about skin health. I’d like to share a photo of the mole for guidance, but I’m having trouble uploading it—when I try to add a photo, nothing seems to happen. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
3/6/2026, 12:10:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about changes in your skin, especially with exposure to the sun and different lifestyle factors. Monitoring moles is important for skin health, particularly regarding the risk of skin cancer.
Explanation
Moles can vary greatly, and while many are harmless, changes in size, shape, color, or any new moles that appear should be taken seriously. The fact that you didn't consistently use sunscreen also increases the importance of watching for any skin changes, as UV exposure can contribute to skin damage over time.
Next Steps
-
Self-Examine: Take a close look at the mole. Check if it has any of the following characteristics commonly noted in the ABCDE rule:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color that is not uniform
- Diameter larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolving changes in size, shape, or color.
-
Photograph It: Since you had trouble uploading a photo, take clear pictures of the mole using your smartphone in natural light for better visibility. This will help you track any changes over time.
-
Avoid Irritation: Try not to scratch or irritate the mole. Additionally, keep an eye on it for any changes in texture or color.
-
Set a Reminder: Make a note to monitor the mole over the next few weeks. If you notice any significant changes or if it starts to itch, bleed, or becomes painful, take action.
-
Consider Future Sun Protection: Moving forward, ensure you apply sunscreen regularly. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. This will help protect your skin from further UV damage and is a good preventive measure.
In case you're still concerned about the mole despite these measures, you might want to plan to have it evaluated by a healthcare professional who can provide a more in-depth assessment. It's always better to be cautious when it comes to skin health. Let me know if you have any further questions or need additional information!
Related Questions
Could This Be an Indication of Pancreatic Cancer?
A 36-year-old female has been experiencing intermittent abdominal discomfort since May 2023. Throughout the year, she endured severe nausea accompanied by vomiting that lasted for six months. In response, a series of imaging tests were conducted, including an ultrasound, CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, an MRI scan (though the pancreas wasn’t mentioned in the results), an MRCP, an endoscopy, and a colonoscopy. Presently, she struggles with a lack of appetite, finds it difficult to eat, and is still battling nausea. Recent blood tests indicate that she is now in a pre-diabetic state. Given her debilitating symptoms, she worries that something critical may have been overlooked. What steps would you recommend?
Reddish Marks on Neck
I am a 42-year-old, 5'2" individual weighing 170 lbs and I do not smoke. For nearly a week now, I have noticed four distinct reddish marks on my neck. Occasionally, they appear as a pale pink, while at other moments throughout the day, they become more vibrant red. These marks do not cause any itching or discomfort, and the texture feels normal. Could this be eczema or perhaps something different? I will attempt to share an image in the comments for reference.
Experiencing Fainting Episodes
The essence of this post reflects my personal experiences with fainting. At 23 years of age, I have lost consciousness more than a dozen times throughout my life. My initial incident occurred at age 10, shortly after recovering from the flu. In a rush to reach school, I pedaled my bike frantically and collapsed upon arrival. My most recent episode happened during a workout at the gym while training with my coach. After completing a set of squats, my heart rate escalated dramatically. Aware of the impending faint, I positioned myself lying down, yet I still lost consciousness. All these episodes have transpired during intense physical activities. A noteworthy detail is that onlookers have mentioned I exhibit shaking akin to seizures during these occurrences. However, my doctor insists these events are not seizures, although I remain skeptical of this assessment. I have consulted with healthcare professionals multiple times, and they consistently conclude that it’s simply a phenomenon some individuals experience. The recommendation remains to engage in more exercise to better my resting heart rate. Despite undergoing numerous tests, including wearing a heart monitor for an entire month, no conclusive results were identified. The only finding so far is that my heart rate increases more rapidly during exercise compared to the average person. I genuinely want to address this issue so that I can eliminate the anxiety associated with workouts. However, I'm hesitant to revisit doctors who may once again provide me with no actionable insights, resulting in further expenditures on tests. I want to emphasize that I have followed all the medical advice I’ve received; I maintain a regular exercise routine, stay hydrated, and consume nutritious meals. While I may not be in peak physical condition, I consider myself healthy. I would greatly appreciate any guidance regarding potential next steps, as I find myself quite lost in medical terminology and options. P.S. I apologize for my writing skills; I hope I’ve conveyed my thoughts clearly enough.
Concerns Over Possible Medical Negligence: Retained Placenta After C-Section
I'm reaching out to discuss my sister's recent experience. She is 30 years old, stands at 5 feet 7 inches, and usually weighs around 140 pounds, but her weight increased to 170 pounds prior to giving birth. My sister does not smoke or consume alcohol. She battles severe endometriosis, a condition known to complicate pregnancy. Her pregnancy was achieved through in vitro fertilization, during which two embryos were implanted; unfortunately, one ended in miscarriage at around 9 to 13 weeks, while the other progressed. Her Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist had warned her that she might experience issues with the placental remnants of the vanishing twin not being expelled during delivery. This was her first successful pregnancy after enduring four unsuccessful IVF attempts and experiencing one ectopic pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy, she was advised to take baby aspirin to mitigate the risk of blood clots, as she had already encountered a clot in her arm after multiple IVs. Although she has had this issue, she hasn’t been diagnosed with any clotting disorders. After laboring for 32 hours at a birthing center, my sister was transferred to a hospital where, after an additional 7 hours, she underwent a cesarean section due to the baby’s size. She was 41 weeks and 5 days along when she delivered a healthy baby weighing 9 pounds and 15 ounces. Throughout her hospital stay, she consistently informed all medical professionals about the existence of a second placenta, especially as preparations were being made for the c-section. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that both placentas were delivered completely. Unfortunately, just 20 hours postpartum, she had to be rushed back into surgery. The doctors found that she experienced significant hemorrhaging due to remaining placental tissue within her uterus. They also addressed a laceration found on her cervix. During this emergency procedure, she received transfusions, including two bags of blood and a bag of platelets. Now, she is left wondering whether it is typical for fragments of the placenta to be overlooked after surgery, or if this could be an instance of medical malpractice.
Vitamin D Gummies and Sertraline (Zoloft): Is It Safe?
I am a 21-year-old female currently using sertraline (also known as Zoloft) at a dosage of 25mg alongside ferrous fumerate (iron) at 210mg. I would like to know if it's safe to incorporate vitamin D gummies into my regimen while on these medications. Any insights on potential interactions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!