Moles

Moles are very common and most people have them and develop new ones during their life. Moles are coloured spots on the surface of the skin. They appear when the pigment colours your skin clusters together. They can develop on any part of your skin and more often in places that are most exposed to sunlight. Moles are usually harmless. However, when they change shape, size or colour that may be a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Moles can appear differently with different:

• Colours: dark brown, red or pink.
• Shapes: oval or round.
• Sizes: most mole are no more than 5 mm across, but they can be considerably bigger.
• Locations: any part of the skin.
• Texture: flat or slightly raised, smooth or rough and some may have hairs growing out of them.
• Numbers: it is normal to have 10-50 moles.

Moles are caused by pigment cells clustering together in your skin. Why this happens is unclear. It is clear that moles often run in the family and that exposure to direct sunlight (especially during childhood) can cause them to develop.

You are more likely to have more moles when:

• It runs in the family.
• You are exposed to a lot of sunlight.
• You have fair skin.
• You experience changes in your hormone levels, such as during pregnancy.

You should see your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your moles such as:

• If a mole starts to change colour or has multiple colours.
• If a mole starts to get bigger rapidly.
• If a mole starts to bleed.
• If there is any discharge from the mole.
• If the mole becomes itchy.

You cannot prevent moles before you are born. You can avoid them by:

• Using sunscreen every day.
• Wearing protective clothing or avoiding the sun, especially between 10 am and 4 pm.

Self-care tips:

• Do not try to remove a mole. They are mostly harmless.
• You can cover moles with makeup if you are self-conscious about them.
• Check your moles regularly for any changes.

Treatment options:

• Your healthcare provider can remove your mole by performing a minor surgery if you are bothered by it. This may leave a scar or keloid on dark skins.
• If your healthcare provider thinks your mole is unusual and may be melanoma, you may need surgery and chemotherapy.

Moles are very common and harmless spots that can make you self-conscious especially if they are on your face. They may disappear as you grow older or remain throughout your life. Always be mindful of changes in the appearance of your moles.