new moles on face

[october62]

Over the past six years, I have developed five white "moles" on my face.  I made an appointment with my dermatologist and instead of getting him, they scheduled me with a cosmetic physicians assistant.  And of course, the PA said after looking at them, they were just moles and not to worry about them.   He did not biopsy them or do any other tests other than looking at them.  He said, they could be treated cosmetically. I am in my late 40's and as I said, these have developed over the past six years.  They started out looking like pimples but now they appear to be white pearly moles.  I am concerned as skin cancer does run in my family and I am the typical candidate - blond hair, fair skin, light colored eyes.  Should I schedule an appointment with the dermatologist?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Please get milia, molluscum contagiosum and whiteheads also ruled out. Milia are white pimples that occur mostly on the upper cheeks, nose and chin. The best way to prevent milia is to avoid treating your skin with excessively harsh chemicals and to limit sun exposure.Also use good quality cosmetics and exfoliate your skin regularly.If still the symptoms persist then chemical peeling or laser removal can be done.

My sincere advice would be to consult a dermatologist to get the diagnosis confirmed. 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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[october62]

These are not sebaceous cysts as I have had cysts before.  These actually look like little pearl moles.....

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
If these are white in color then cysts, benign skin growths or molluscum contagiosum are the possibilities to be ruled out in your case. Cysts may occur anywhere on body but scalp, ears, back, face, and upper arm, are common sites for sebaceous cysts. Blocked sebaceous glands, swollen hair follicles and excessive testosterone production will cause such cysts.

I suggest you a dermatologist’s evaluation.
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.