What Causes Red Mole On Lower Leg?

Posted on Sat, 3 Oct 2015

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

Sat, 3 Oct 2015 Answered on

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : i am not sure if I should worry about a red mole I had for some time on my lower right leg. I think at some point it developed a crust over and ever time I take the crust off, it bleeds and develops a new crust.
I may have removed it accidentally when shaving, but now I don't know if i should be concerned about it.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need to rule out skin cancer (Basal cell carcinoma)

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for posting your query.

I have reviewed the attached pics, and understand your concern.

The lesion does look like a mole, it could also be just a capillary haemangioma which is a benign condition, they often are present from birth.

You have mentioned that the mole has been there since some time and has recently started crusting and peeling. This suggests an increased cell turnover.

That happens when the cells develop a genetic mutation and turn into either pre-cancerous condition or into a cancerous condition.

This is the worst-case scenario, so it is best to rule out that possibility by getting it excised and examined under the microscope (histopathology).

Please consult your skin specialist at the earliest to rule out this issue.

For the time being though, you can apply a moisturising lotion on the lesion to reduce the itching and scaling.

I hope this answers your query, please feel free to write back if you have any doubts.

Wishing you all the very best and good health.

Best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D