Noticed Plenty Of Moles On Face. Prescribed Salicylic Acid. Does Moles Can Be Increased By Hormone?

Posted on Sun, 29 Sep 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 29 Sep 2013 Answered on

Wed, 23 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I'm 36 years old and for the past year I noticed plenty moles gradually came on my face. Mainly around & under my eyes. I went to a dermatologist and he gave me Salicylic Acid 6% cream for them. Its been a month now and it seems like nothing is improving. But I heard that moles can increase from a hormone increase. I work out at the gym and take testosterone pills before I go. Testosterone pills increases hormones, so I'm wondering, could that be the cause of the moles under my eyes???

Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly attach a picture of the moles

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXX,

Thanks for your query.

Moles are growth in the skin which are composed of clusters of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). Though the presence of moles is determined genetically, they can also develop due to exposure of skin to UV rays.

However, appearance of a new or abnormal mole in an adult may be a sign of malignant melanoma.
In your post, you have not mentioned about the characteristics of the moles.
Kindly let me know about the following things:

1. Distribution of the moles- whether they are presently diffusely in the body or limited to the area under the eyes?
2. Appearance of the moles- whether there is any recent change in size or color of the moles?
3. Presence of any associated symptoms- such as itching, pain, bleeding ?
4. Any other significant characteristic feature ?

If your answer to the above mentioned questions is NO, then there is no need to worry. They are very normal.

Also, there are many other skin growths/lesions which look like mole such as freckles, lentigines, hemangiomas, etc.
Investigations such as a skin biopsy would be helpful in clinching the diagnosis.

If possible, please upload a picture of the moles. It will be helpful for us to give a better probable diagnosis.

Wishing you a Good Health.
Thanks & take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (10 hours later)

But my question is can testosterone pills cause moles because of a hormone increase?

Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (42 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it can

Detailed Answer:
Dear Alli,

Thanks for your follow up query.

Testosterone itself being a hormone results in several changes in the skin.
Under its action, the skin becomes more coarse.
There is increase in sensitivity of the skin to sunlight & it has also been attributed to cause increase in moles.
Other than this, Testosterone also increases the activity of the sebaceous gland resulting in oily skin & appearance of pimples.

If possible, please upload a picture of the moles. It will be helpful for us to understand your concern in a better way.

Wishing you a Good Health.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj