Moles: When to get concerned about them?

Moles (medically, nevus) are a growth on skin that may vary in size, colour, orientation depending upon your skin tone. Moles are commonly known as beauty marks. Most of them harmless, don’t hurt, itch, or bleed. Some moles are present since the birth and fade away with age. Moles can be anywhere on your skin, ranging from face to any another part. 

Some mole clusters can be cancerous on body. Especially, you have many moles or have a skin cancer history in family. It is wise to get your moles checked by a dermatologist if you have any of these. 

Are moles a thing of concern?

Most moles are completely harmless. You should pay attention to moles that change their appearance with time like their shape, size, or colour; if your moles itch, peel off, bleed or are different than other moles on your body. 

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Moles can be a topic of concern if they are not normal or as they are supposed to be. If moles appear after the age of 30 can be cancerous. If your moles are different than other moles, they show disorientation in colour throughout, they are elevated or show change after a period of time, or they are bigger than usual; they may prove to be cancerous. 

Examining your skin regularly and looking for any new or changing moles can be a preventative step. 

As normal moles are completely harmless and basically useless, they need not be removed. But if you see your mole to be a concern, you should see a dermatologist and have a skin biopsy done and get it checked. If the mole turns out to be cancerous, it needs to be removed immediately. 

DO’s and DON’T’s if you have moles

• Do not try to remove your mole at home with OTC bandages or diy at home treatments. They may worsen the condition or burn the area around the mole. They are also most likely to leave a scar.
• Get your abnormal moles checked by a dermatologist. Melanoma (skin cancer) can spread to other organs if not treated on time. 
• Limiting the exposure to sunlight can prevent getting moles
• Wearing sunscreen will protect your skin the UV radiation and prevent skin cancer
• Doing a self examination of moles on monthly basis can help keep your moles in observation

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However, if you see any abnormality in your moles, make an appointment to see a dermatologist and get it checked.