Moles are spots on your skin that may be flesh-colored, pink, tank, brown, black or other colors. Moles are common. In fact, almost every adult has a few of them. Adults with light skin may have as many as 40 moles on their skin, which is normal.
Age spots—also known as sunspots or liver spots—are small, flat brown, gray or black spots on the skin. They vary in size and usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms. Age spots occur when the top surface layer of skin expands with more pigment and develops what looks like a large freckle. An age spot may appear by itself, or a few may be clustered together.
According to the American Academy of Dermatologic Surgery, “Some people have a hereditary predisposition to age spots. Age spots may develop at an early age, even in childhood, though they are more common in older people, especially in those who have spent too much time in the sun.”
Age spots are not cancerous growths, but indicate that the sun has received a lot of sun exposure and are an attempt to protect itself from more sun damage.
Dysplastic nevi, also known as atypical moles, are a unique type of mole that falls between common moles and melanoma on the spectrum of skin conditions. While they are benign, they exhibit characteristics similar to malignant melanomas. Although most atypical moles do not pose a health risk, it is crucial to undergo proper screening and early diagnosis to detect and treat skin cancer effectively. For all your mole-related concerns and Gainesville dermatology needs, contact The Art of Skin Dermatology
Have questions? Want to schedule an appointment? Simply complete the form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
