Moles

Moles are small, coloured spots on the skin. Most people have them and they’re usually nothing to worry about unless they change size, shape or colour.

It’s normal for:

• babies to be born with moles
• new moles to appear when we are young – especially in children and teenagers
• moles to fade or disappear as you get older
• moles to get slightly darker during pregnancy

See a GP if you notice a change in a mole

It’s important to get a new or existing mole checked out if it:

• changes shape or looks uneven
• changes colour, gets darker or has more than 2 colours
• starts itching, crusting, flaking or bleeding
• gets larger or more raised from the skin

If you are unsure whether a mole is changing it can help to use your phone to take a picture of the mole next to a ruler. Repeat this 2 months later and if there has been any change to the mole you should see your GP. If there is no change it is very reassuring. 

If you have many moles it can be difficult to keep track of them all. You could use this Body Map.

Skin cancer is preventable: WEAR SUNSCREEN!