Moles
Moles are usually small, colored spots on the skin. Often, it is nothing to worry about unless it changes in shape, size, or color.
Moles are harmless
Moles are harmless
- When babies are born with moles
- Development of new moles, especially in teenagers and children
- Fading or disappearing moles as you get older
- While pregnancy moles may slightly get darker
Moles can be serious
Some moles can indicate melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Those signs include:
- If a mole changes color
- If a mole has more than two colors
- If a mole has uneven borders
- If a mole is bleeding, crusting, itching, or raised
Consult a doctor if you come across the signs mentioned above. If your doctor thinks your mole indicates melanoma, they will refer you to a specialist, and you should probably get an appointment within two weeks. The primary treatment for melanoma involves surgery to remove the mole.
Cancerous mole preventions
Sun UV light can increase the risks of a mole becoming cancerous. You should be more careful in the sun if you have multiple moles. It’s crucial to do a regular self-check for moles in your body. Following are certain things that can protect your moles, especially during hot weather:
- Avoid the sun from 11 am–3 pm; that’s when the sunlight is strongest
- Cover your skin with clothes. Wear sunglasses and hats in case you have moles on your face.
- Apply high-factor sunscreen with minimum SPF30. Apply even after swimming.
- Don’t use sun lamps or sun beds that use UV lights.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 23 JUNE 2022