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Since you say that you have "tons of moles" on your face and back we must assume that you have a lot of spots. Without seeing these, it’s not possible to answer your question completely. Generally there are two conditions that can cause this:
- Freckles (also called epiledes)- these are red or light brown spots, usually flat and less than 5mm wide. They become more prominent when exposed to the sun, and they fade when exposed to less sunlight, such as during the winter, and also with age. Freckles are inherited and are seen most often in individuals with fair skin and reddish-brown hair. They are not generally associated with any health problems (except that people with fair skin and light hair may be more susceptible to certain types of skin cancer in later life).
- Moles (also called lentigines) - these are small dark brown or black spots known medically as “nevi.” They are not associated with sunlight and may be multiple. Almost everyone has a few moles, which are usually permanent but harmless. Rarely they can be associated with genetic conditions such as Putz-Jagher Syndrome and Leopard Syndrome that affect other body systems and can cause serious problems.
It sounds like you may just have very many benign nevi (moles). Since you have so many, you may want to see your primary care doctor and if necessary a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis, if this didn’t already happen when you had the one mole removed. In the meantime, be careful of excessive sun exposure and be sure to use a sunscreen.
For more information about this topic, check out these articles:
More Common Skin Problems
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Posted 12-13-00
Do you have a question?  As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Please read our full  .
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