Toggle navigation
Santa Barbara Skin Care
Santa Barbara Skin Care

Gary S. Novatt, MD | Corey S. Frucht, MD, PhD 
Robert W. Sheffield, MD | Claire Wiswall, PA-C

Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic Dermatology 
in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara: (805) 569-1164Solvang: (805) 688-4236

 

  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Request an Appointment

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Appointment Request
    • Contact Us
  • Patient Education
  • Blog

Moles (Nevi)

Our team of professionals and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well-being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics, which can be found on the side of each page. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you.

As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.

Moles are brown or black growths, usually round or oval, that can appear anywhere on the skin. They can be rough or smooth, flat or raised, single or in multiples. They occur when cells that are responsible for skin pigmentation, known as melanocytes, grow in clusters instead of being spread out across the skin. Generally, moles are less than one-quarter inch in size. Most moles appear by the age of 20, although some moles may appear later in life. Most adults have between 10 and 40 moles. Because they last about 50 years, moles may disappear by themselves over time.

Most moles are harmless, but a change in size, shape, color or texture could be indicative of a cancerous growth. Moles that have a higher-than-average chance of becoming cancerous include:

Congenital Nevi

Moles present at birth. The larger their size, the greater the risk for developing into a skin cancer.

Atypical Dysplastic Nevi

Irregularly shaped moles that are larger than average. They often appear to have dark brown centers with light, uneven borders.

Higher frequency of moles

People with 50 or more moles are at a greater risk for developing a skin cancer.

In some cases, abnormal moles may become painful, itchy, scaly or bleed. It's important to keep an eye on your moles so that you can catch any changes early. We recommend doing a visual check of your body monthly, including all areas that don't have sun exposure (such as the scalp, armpits or bottoms of feet).

Use the American Academy of Dermatology's ABCDEs as a guide for assessing whether or not a mole may be becoming cancerous:

Asymmetry: Half the mole does not match the other half in size, shape or color.

Border: The edges of moles are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.

Color: The mole is not the same color throughout.

Diameter: The mole is usually greater than 6 millimeters when diagnosed, but may also be smaller.

Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that is different from the rest, or changes in size, shape, or color.

If any of these conditions occur, please make an appointment to see one of our dermatologists right away. The doctor may do a biopsy of the mole to determine if it is or isn't cancerous and/or may surgically remove it.


Patient Education

Patient Education Menu
  • What is a Dermatologist?
  • Anatomy of the Skin
  • Skin Care Topics
    • Sun Safety
    • Skin Care Basics
    • Tanning Beds/Tanning Booths
    • Tattoos
    • Pregnancy-Related Skin Conditions
    • Diabetes-Related Skin Conditions
    • Skin Cancers
  • Skin Conditions
    • Acne
    • Rosacea
    • Head Lice
    • Rashes
    • Eczema (Dermatitis)
    • Lumps, Bumps, and Cysts
    • Psoriasis
    • Blisters
    • Vitiligo
    • Pruritus
    • Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac
    • Lichen Simplex Chronicus
    • Scleroderma
    • Keratosis Pilaris
    • Hives (Urticaria)
    • Hidradenitis Suppurativa
    • Wrinkles
    • Birthmarks/Pigmented Skin
  • Skin Growths
    • Seborrheic Keratosis
    • Moles (Nevi)
    • Warts
    • Actinic Keratosis
  • Skin Infections
    • Herpes Simplex Virus
    • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
    • Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
    • Impetigo
    • Erysipelas
    • Chicken Pox (Herpes Varicella Zoster)
    • Cellulitis
    • Candidiasis
    • Boils
    • Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
    • Lyme Disease
    • Folliculitis
    • Scabies
    • Intertrigo
    • Granuloma

Facebook Twitter Blog

 
 
Review Us
HGGoogleYelpVitals


Reviews

Top Doctor - realself - Dermatologist in Santa Barbara

Our Location

Santa Barbara, CA Dermatologist
Santa Barbara Skin Care
2320 Bath Street, Suite 205
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 569-1164
Dermatologist in Santa Barbara, CA Call For Pricing Options
 
Solvang, CA Dermatologist
Santa Barbara Skin Care
2028 Village Ln. Suite 201
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4236
Dermatologist in Solvang, CA Call For Pricing Options
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Map & directions

Office Hours

Santa Barbara
Monday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday:       08:30 AM - 05:00 PM  
Thursday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday: 08:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Solvang
Wednesday:       08:30 AM - 04:30 PM 
   
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map
Review us
HGGoogleYelpVitals