Moles Causes & Risks

Causes

Moles develop from pigment-producing cells in the skin called melanocytes. These cells form a cluster, causing the mole.

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing moles. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

Moles present at birth (This increases the likelihood of more moles later in life.)
Family members who have moles
Excessive exposure to sunlight, especially sunburn

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2025 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.