Skin Moles

Skin moles are dark or discolored patches of skin that are sometimes different in texture to your normal skin. They also have unique features.

Moles can be a variety of sizes, colors or shapes depending on the individual. Changes in your moles usual appearance can indicate a problem so even though you might hate it, get to know it and watch out for things like bleeding, itching, color change and growth.

Some people have moles since birth and for the most part they are unobtrusive, these are called congenital Melanonaevi. For some people the mole can be irritated regularly because of the where it is and this can lead to them being rubbed constantly and cause an open wound. They could also be found on the facial area which makes shaving difficult without constantly nipping them. Many people develop skin moles in the first 20 years of their life and they can range in their location. For facial moles and other more forward places it can cause emotional distress for many people and even lead to depression.

Sometimes a mole will change during a period of hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause. Even if you think you are undergoing a hormonal change while your mole changes it is always a good idea to get it looked at anyway just in case. Most skin moles are harmless and perfectly normal as they are simply pigmented skin cells. Some may even disappear over time or “fall off” when you aren’t aware of it.

There are however, some cases of skin moles where the mole is very serious. These are cancerous skin moles and can develop directly or from an existing mole. This is known as melanoma which is a type of skin cancer. Malignant melanoma is the more serious type of skin cancer and is usually caused when an individual exposes themselves to severe sunlight usually only for short periods of time such as when you are on holiday. This type is usually found on the areas of skin you expose the most such as your nose which we often forget about when using sun cream.

It’s important to ensure you observe the condition of your moles regularly so that you can spot any changes quickly. Always ensure you regularly check the appearance of your skin moles and use sun cream in hot weather. Your mole will be especially prone to sun light so don’t forget about covering them up and using sun cream on them as they are often the first area to develop melanoma. If you do notice changes in your skin moles then you should visit your doctor to have a look at them. You doctor will want to know what kind of changes there have been and when the changes occurred or started. They may measure the mole and take a photograph to compare it at a later date. If it is suspected the mole is cancerous they may wish to take a sample which can be easily done at the time.