Fear of Melanom

Dr. Rockoff,
I have read many of your posts and you seem extremely knowledgable about melanoma so I hope you can give me some answers.  I'm 26 years old, and this disease is my worst fear.  I spent a lot of time in the sun as a child/teenager, although my mother did put sunscreen on me when I was young.  I go for mole checks periodically, about every year, and have had about 3-4 moles removed, all benign.  I went 3 weeks ago and my dermatologist said all my moles looked fine for now, but I'm going back for another check in April.  My question for now is this:  I have a very small light colored freckle or mole on my back, and I was feeling it last night and it felt like it was covered with dry skin or something.  So I proceeded to poke at it and prod it and make it red.  It is still surrounded a little by a pinkish area.  I'm so scared this is melanoma.  The only thing that reassures me is that it is very small and very light. Also my doctor said all the moles on my back looked fine.  Do you think this could be something sinister?  Also, do you think going for skin checks every 3-6 months will be okay for me and enough time to catch a melanoma early?  Thank you so much.
Ashley

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

3-6 months is fine.  If your doctor saw you three weeks ago and wasn't concerned, I don't think you need to be either.  The kinds of changes you're describing are those of irritation, not malignancy, and the spot itself is most likely a freckle or light mole.  I advise you to leave the spot alone, forget about it, and see your doctor for your next regular visit.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff