How to tell when a mole needs to be seen

Most of us have moles on our skin. These are small coloured spots and normally they are nothing to worry about.

There are some things that we do need to take a closer look at with moles, on either ourselves or our clients.

- Most moles are harmless, they are either round or oval-shaped and have a smooth edge.

- Moles can be either raised or flat and can feel smooth or rough.

- Sometimes moles can have hair growing from them.

- On dark skin, moles are normally darker than on light skin.

Signs to investigate further:

- Moles which have changed colour or have more than two colours

- Moles with uneven borders

- Moles that bleed, itch or are raised and crusted

- Moles that get larger and more raised from the skin

Even if these changes take place over several months, you should have the mole looked at.

How to prevent cancerous moles

- Stay out of the sun between 11am – 3pm when the sun is strongest

- Wear a hat and sunglasses if you have moles on your face

- Cover your arms with light clothing

- If you are out in the sun, use a high protection factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) and reapply after swimming.

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