From the Guidelines
Scaly moles that fall off are typically called seborrheic keratoses. These are benign skin growths that commonly appear as people age, often described as looking "stuck on" to the skin. Seborrheic keratoses can be brown, black, or tan in color and develop a waxy, scaly texture that may occasionally flake or fall off. They're completely harmless and not cancerous, though they can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions. No treatment is necessary unless they become irritated or you want them removed for cosmetic reasons. If removal is desired, a dermatologist can perform this using methods like cryotherapy (freezing), electrosurgery, or curettage (scraping) 1. These growths occur due to an overgrowth of cells in the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. While seborrheic keratoses falling off is normal, any sudden changes in moles, especially those that are asymmetrical, have irregular borders, varying colors, or are larger than a pencil eraser should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out skin cancer 1.
Some key points to consider when evaluating moles include:
- Change in size
- Change in shape
- Change in color
- Diameter ≥ 7 mm It's essential to consult a healthcare professional if you notice any of these changes or if you have concerns about a mole. In terms of diagnosis, dermoscopy can be employed with a range of defined dermoscopic features, and teledermatology has been cited as an effective means of diagnosis 1. However, if invasive malignancy is suspected, the patient's care should be shared with a member of a skin cancer multidisciplinary team.
It's also important to note that seborrheic keratoses can be distinguished from other skin conditions, such as actinic keratosis, which may require different treatment approaches 1. Ultimately, if you're concerned about a scaly mole that's falling off, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and advice.
From the Research
Scaly Fall Off Moles
Characteristics of Seborrheic Keratosis
- Seborrheic keratosis is a benign epithelial skin tumor 4
- It is the most common skin tumor seen by dermatologists in everyday practice 2
Treatment Options for Seborrheic Keratosis
- Cryosurgery is a commonly used method to remove seborrheic keratosis 3, 5, 6
- Electrosurgery is also used to treat seborrheic keratosis, although cryotherapy may be more effective for this specific condition 3
- Plasma exeresis is a new technique that has been compared to cryotherapy for treating seborrheic keratosis, with promising results 4
Efficacy and Safety of Treatment Options
- Cryotherapy and electrosurgery have been shown to be effective in treating seborrheic keratosis, with high patient and physician satisfaction 3
- Plasma exeresis has been found to be significantly more effective than cryotherapy in clearing lesions after 6 weeks 4
- Common side effects of cryotherapy and electrosurgery include hypopigmentation, depigmentation, and atrophic scars 3, 5