Moles! Here's What You Should Know
July 23, 2019
In today’s blog post, we wanted to share with you the complete guide to moles. More often than not, people have a general idea about what moles are, but they don’t really know how to differentiate between different types of moles and to know when something looks unusual. So we’re giving you the full rundown today - what moles are, why they can be dangerous and what you need to look out for, so that you are prepared for any change that might occur!
What are moles?
Simply put, moles are clusters of cells that grow together to create little bumps of color on the skin. They are usually black or brown, but can also be light pink or even tan. In essence, moles aren’t dangerous. A “common” mole should be around 0.6 cm (it shouldn’t exceed the size of a pencil eraser), and should have a uniform color and clean edges.
Why can moles be dangerous?
Moles can be an early sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer that erupts from pigmented cells. This is why you need to check over your moles regularly to look for any unusual growth or changes in your moles.
What should you look for?
The ABCDE rule is the common rule to follow to check for anything unusual in your moles. It stands for:
Asymmetry: You should make sure that both sides of your moles are symmetrical in terms of shape and match each other.
Border: Borders that aren’t smooth, with colors that extends past them.
Color: Uneven colors with different shades that aren’t supposed to be there.
Diameter: An increase in size.
Evolving: A noticeable and fast change in the mole’s appearance.
Should you have any concerns about your moles, it’s advisable to contact your doctor for a quick checkup. In the meantime, make sure to always keep a tab on the moles on your body and pay special attention to protecting them from the sun. For any sun protection you might need, you can visit our website here.
