Scratched mole

[steve1441]

Hi I picked a small flat light brown mole off my forehead a few weeks ago. it scabbed over and left a red indent where the mole was. i by accident scratched it again and opened the red indent. will the mole grow back or will it scar?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Hopefully the pink skin should heal back completely but in case if there is any scarring, topical treatments with acids and chemical peels can be effective but can take a while for the skin to totally revert to its normal color.  Microdermabrasion can also be done, but this might require several sessions.  Skin resurfacing using lasers is also an option.  

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[steve1441]

Thanks so much. It's been about a week now and the scab fell off four days ago. It has left pink skin but it seems to become less pink each day as well as skin peeling off the area. The indent is still there but much smaller. I make sure i clean the area and moisturise each day to reduce any scarring. Am i doing enough to take care of it and reduce any scarring?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is common for moles to regrow. But it can regrow in a bizarre pattern. What happens is that melanocytes left behind in the wound regrow in an abnormal pattern. This is accompanied by scarring, inflammation, and blood vessel changes.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.