This can mean melanoma, but a mole oozing pus can also have a benign cause.
“Pus or even infection in a mole is not in itself a sign of melanoma,” says Dr. Rebecca Tung, MD, director of the dermatology division at Loyola University Health System, Chicago.
“People can have an acne cyst at the same location as a mole—causing it to swell or become infected.
“Because some skin cancers produce unusually fragile skin which can be easily traumatized, they can become infected and produce pus.
“If your mole is behaving weirdly, a quick checkup with the dermatologist can help sort out if skin cancer is present or not.”
Do not delay getting a mole, that has pus coming out of it, examined by a dermatologist — who is better qualified than a general practitioner to inspect the spot.
Dr. Tung’s specialties include general dermatology with skin cancer surveillance, moles, melanoma, surgery (Mohs micrographic, laser, skin cancer reconstruction) and cosmetic dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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