Freckle returned on foot?

I had a tiny (1 mm) light brown spot removed from the bottom of my foot near the instep, in May (of this year), about 4 months ago.  My dermatologist said it was nothing but since he knows I have anxiety about skin cancer and would worry about it, he scraped it off. He did not biopsy it or take a wide margin, basically he scraped it off and threw it away and said to put it out of my mind.

Now it looks like it is coming back!  There is a tiny light brown area, like a freckle, in the area where he scraped off the other spot. I would not have noticed it, it is a very pale brown, but was pumicing my feet.

I have recently moved and must wait three months before an appt with a new dermatologist.

I have in the past accidentally shaved off part or some of a mole or freckle and sometimes they have grown back, could this be what is happening here? He didn't cut it out deep enough?

I have gone for regular skin checks every six months for the last 10 years or so, I am currently 38. I have fair skin, freckly, several moles but none atypical, brown hair, hazel eyes, female.  

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum!

Based on your post, we do not really know what kind of lesion you had previously. Benign pigmented lesion of the sole can be lentigo simplex or melanocytic nevus. Even superficial fungal infection (Tinea nigra) is a possibility. All of them can reappear.

However, when there is a pigmented lesion, melanoma and pigmented basal cell carcinoma must always be considered and excluded. Therefore, it is recommended to see a dermatologist for final diagnosis (standard diagnostic procedure is a biopsy).


Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic

[Ickle2]

I have had for about 8 months now red patches on either side of my face which have tiny tiny white spots on them. I have tried to exfoliate which works temporarily with getting rid of the spots but the patches stay. It doesnt itch but really stands out when wearing make up etc.

I have been to doctor but she gave me Dermol which hasnt worrked. I now seem to be getting spots too. When one goes more appear. I never used to get spots in even in my teens.  

I am not sure if the two are connected? I am not sure if it is an allegy to something (I do have a bit on sensitive skin) or eczema or something?

[Cthycarlson]

Thank you for your prompt response. The lesion before was nothing, according to my doctor.
I also recently injured my back and was looking at it with a mirror when I noticed a mole I've had for quite some time. It looks different though my husband says it looks exactly the same as it always has.   I did get a skin check in May so I assume the dr. saw it and since he didn't say anything it is ok.

It is about 5 mm, light brown but has a little lighter area with a light brown dot. It is slightly irregular shaped.

My question is this-how quickly can a mole change and can moles be slightly irregular and still be normal?  I know I've had this mole a long time but I've never examined it closely since it is in an awkward place on my lower back and why I go get skin checks every 6 mo nths.