New Moles
 

Hello

I'm asking this on behalf of a friend.

He is 24, pushing 25, and has noticed more moles on his skin than before. For the most part, they're all extremely small (pinpoint-size), and none of them are really strange (multi-color, huge, non-symmetric, etc). Is this normal behavior? Do adults get new moles? He has always had a decent amount of moles and a birthmark or two, but there have been a lot of new moles as of late (within the past cople weeks/month).

He is a somewhat active person, and spends a decent of time in the sun. He doesn't spend every waking moment outside like an athlete or outdoorsman, but there is a lot of time spent in the sun on vacations and during football games and the like. Does a lot of exposure to sunlight relate to having more moles? Especially, this many new moles, this late in the game?

Thanks!

These "might" increase as a person gets older.
I recommend he goes to a dermitologist to see what he can do about it,
or at least easily remove them and/or prevent them.

Getting moles aren't abnormal with age. The time to become concerned are when they are
1. larger than a pencil eraser.
2. Multicolored
3. Have irragular edges.
4. Bleed or are tender
5. Are raised so that they catch on clothing.

I am very fair skinned and have gotten a couple moles removed because they fit the criteria. Your friend could just ask his regular physician to check them when he sees him for his yearly physical. That is what I did. The first one my Dr removed was considered "precancerous melanoma" when they analyzed it meaning that it hadn't grown any "roots" and spread. It had the appearance and size of a cancerous one though so I have to check myself and get checked regularly. I don't think your friend has too much to worry but he should have his Dr check them when he sees him this year. No hurt in asking. A world of hurt if you don't ask and they happen to be a problem.