Millennials across social media are finding that their generation has something in common: a mole in the same spot on their forearms. Dubbed the “millennial mole,” it is a small mole on the left forearm a couple of inches below the elbow. Millennials—people born between about 1981 and 1996—are taking to social media to show them off.
Dr. Kathryn Potter, a dermatologist at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, said she had not seen the social media trend but was intrigued.
“Of course, I had to look for myself and I have several on my left arm. I don’t know if that counts,” she said with a laugh.
If people are paying attention to moles, though, that’s a good thing. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and while most moles are harmless, it’s good to notice them from time to time to make sure they aren’t changing, which could be an indicator of skin cancer.
But what exactly are they?
Moles are caused by melanocytes—cells that contain a dark pigment that protects your skin from UV radiation—that cluster together. But it can be confusing sometimes.
“Not all brown things are moles,” Potter said. “There can be freckles, sunspots or benign lesions called seborrheic keratosis.”
Whichever it is, if it is growing, changing shape or color, or developing irregular borders, it should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
“As far as skin cancer goes, we worry that a mole can become a melanoma—although most melanomas arise de novo, meaning they come up on their own and not through existing moles,” Potter said. “But for moles, we watch to see if they start to evolve or change.”
Potter also said most people who develop true moles will develop them before the age of 40. Moles that arise later in adulthood should be checked by a dermatologist.
You should also perform skin checks at home periodically. There are no hard and fast rules for when you should perform a skin check, but taking a few minutes to scan them is always a good idea.
Prevention is always best. Whenever you’re out in the sun, wear sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and apply it about every two hours. Wear hats with broad rims and protective clothing and seek shade whenever possible.
