Almost all of us have moles on our body. They are the result of a concentration of melanin in a specific area. Most moles are harmless and not worth worrying about. However, sometimes moles become infected or turn into potentially cancerous melanomas. Just when should you be concerned? This post lists a few of the warning signs that are worth looking out for.

What To Be Aware Of

Changes in size and shape

Many moles naturally change shape over time and this is not necessarily a sign of a problem. However, such changes are generally not noticeable as they happen over such a long period of time. If a mole is rapidly getting bigger or changing shape, you may want to get it checked out. Any mole larger than a pencil eraser is definitely worth looking into.

Changes in colour

Moles can get darker as a result of hormonal changes (many women who have moles notice that they get darker during pregnancy). However, dramatic changes in colour are not normal and could be a sign that it is turning into a melanoma (cancerous skin lesion).

Two colours

Healthy moles are generally only ever one colour. If a mole contains two or more colours within it, this could be a sign that it is turning into a melanoma.

Uneven shape

Most moles are circular with an evenly round border. If you have a mole that has jagged borders or looks more like a splatter, you may want to get it checked out as this could also be a warning sign.

Itching, pain, crusting or weeping

You should also show concern if a mole has become irritated in some way. The most common danger here is infection - if it starts to become painful, starts to crust over, starts itching or starts to weep, it could be infected. This can also be a sign of skin cancer. All in all, it’s worth looking into.

Should you seek treatment?

If you notice any of the above warning signs, it’s worth consulting a doctor or a dermatologist. You can then find out whether you need skin cancer treatment or not.

Melanomas are typically easy to remove, but it’s important to catch them early to prevent them from spreading. This is why you shouldn’t put off talking to a medical professional or put off getting treatment. Bacterial infections are also worth treating early as they can spread and be a danger too.

A word of warning about skin cancer

Not all melanomas begin as moles. In fact, less than 30% of melanomas start as moles - the rest can grow on other parts of the body.

It’s still worth looking out for some of the same signs. A melanoma may look a bit like a mole or it may look a bit like a pimple or sunspot, but it will usually be uneven in shape and colour. A crusty texture could also be a sign that it is worth looking into. And remember if you’re planning on enjoying the sunshine, don’t skip the sunscreen and wear a hat. We would highly recommend using factor 50 for better protection throughout the summer months.

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