When it comes to skin blemishes like birthmarks, freckles, moles and skin tags, most are harmless. Many imperfections are simply collections of normal cells and don’t pose any danger to you at all. Leaving them alone, however, may have other consequences you should consider.

Irritation and Bleeding

In your younger years, you may have scarcely noticed moles and skin tags. Though as your skin ages, the collagen isn’t quite as elastic as it used to be. Therefore, irritation and bleeding can become a concern for skin imperfections that are typically rubbed by clothing or jewelry, especially around the neck, bra lines and waistband areas. By having the marks removed when your skin is still young and supple, you avoid potential issues in the future.

Tenderness and Sun Sensitivity

Since moles and skin tags are usually much darker than the surrounding skin, they tend to become sunburned quicker than the skin. Wearing sunscreen with a high SPF will help, but it can be difficult to adequately cover skin marks. This is especially true if they are on your face, neck, ears or scalp areas, where you will likely sweat throughout a day in the sun.

Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers

One of the biggest factors that should weigh into your decision is the possibility of a benign skin imperfection blooming into a cancerous lesion. Melanoma and other skin cancers are not always obvious at first. You may think the mole is just getting larger or that a second mole is forming alongside it. Having multiple moles can make keeping track of their size, color and shape confusing for you. While excising moles and skin tags won’t remove your chances of developing cancer, it will make lesions easier to spot in their infancy.

Confidence Issues

While Cindy Crawford and other celebrities wear their moles and blemishes with pride, not everyone has perfect moles in perfect locations. If your birthmarks and freckles make you feel self-conscious or you frequently try to cover them with makeup, it may be time to have them treated.

Deciding to treat moles and skin tags is a personal decision with many aspects to consider. If you’d like a professional opinion of your case or have questions about available treatments, visit Orlando Dermatology. During a consultation at our med spa in Orlando, we’d be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn more.