Moles
Overview
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.
Symptoms
It's normal for: babies to be born with molesnew moles to appear – especially in children and teenagersmoles to fade or disappear as you get oldermoles to get slightly darker during pregnancy Some moles can be a sign ofmelanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Treatment
Moles only need treating if they're a sign of melanoma. If the GP thinks your mole is melanoma, you'll be referred to a specialist in hospital. You should get an appointment within 2 weeks. The maintreatment for melanomais surgery to remove the mole.
Prevention
UV light from the sun can increase the chance of a mole becoming cancerous. If you have lots of moles, you need to be extra careful in the sun. It's important to check your moles regularly for any changes. There are some things you can do to protect your moles from sun damage, especially during hot weather. stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when sunlight is strongest stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when sunlight is strongest cover skin with clothes – wear a hat and sunglasses if you have moles on your face cover skin with clothes – wear a hat and sunglasses if you have moles on your face regularly apply a high-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF30) and apply it again after swimming regularly apply a high-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF30) and apply it again after swimming do not use sunlamps or sunbeds – they use UV light do not use sunlamps or sunbeds – they use UV light