Melanoma painful to touch: what to know

Tenderness can result when a lesion is irritated by clothing, shaving, friction, inflammation, infection, or minor injury. Melanoma may also cause soreness, itching, crusting, bleeding, or a change in its surface. Many painful spots are not melanoma, while some melanomas cause no discomfort, so sensation must be considered alongside appearance and change over time.

A clinician may use a dermatoscope to inspect pigment and structure. If the lesion looks concerning, a biopsy or complete removal provides tissue for diagnosis. The result helps determine whether further surgery or staging is needed.

Make an appointment if tenderness persists, returns without a clear injury, or occurs with growth, colour variation, an irregular border, bleeding, or ulceration. Avoid squeezing, cutting, or repeatedly touching the area. Note triggers, duration, and any medicines that affect healing or bleeding.

Depending on the findings, care may involve Surgical Excision or Skin Cancer Surgery. A Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy may be considered for selected melanomas, while Immunotherapy may be part of treatment when disease features call for it.

Seek prompt medical review for a painful mark that is changing or does not settle, especially if it bleeds, forms a sore, or looks different from nearby moles. Get urgent help for uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly spreading redness with fever, severe swelling, or breathing difficulty. These signs need assessment even when cancer is not suspected.

Ask whether the tenderness could be from irritation, whether the lesion should be photographed or removed, and when pathology results would be discussed. Ask how to protect the area, what changes to monitor, and whether you need a full skin examination or scheduled follow-up.