We have had a sizzling start to the summer, which means that our skin is more exposed to the sun’s rays as we ditch jumpers and jeans for strappy dresses, shorts and vest tops. Most of us have got the message about using sunblock to minimise skin damage. However, for people who have a lot of moles on their skin, summer is a time to be extra cautious.
What are moles?
Moles are small darker coloured spots on the skin that are caused by a dense cluster of pigment producing cells called melanocytes. They are more common on people with fair coloured skin, although most people have up to 40 moles. They can come and go during our lifetime, and can be made worse by hormonal changes such as puberty and pregnancy.
Most moles are completely harmless and nothing to worry about. However, some people dislike them because they make them feel self-conscious, especially if the mole is in a prominent position such as the face, neck, or decolletage. A mole can also be irritating or catch on clothing and jewellery.
In this case, there are a number of options to have the mole removed. It’s best to have the procedure carried out at a professional beauty salon to ensure best results and minimise the risk of scarring.
Why should people with moles take extra care in the sun?
While everyone should take steps to protect their skin from UV damage to minimise the risk of developing skin cancer and premature ageing, people with a lot of moles should be extra cautious. This is because there is a chance that moles can become cancerous when exposed to UV light.
The NHS advises that people with moles on their face should wear a hat and sunglasses in sunny weather, and regularly apply high-factor sunscreen. Other areas of the body should be protected from the sun with loose clothing, and where possible you should stay in the shade, especially between the hours of 11am and 3pm.
How to check your moles
It’s important to monitor your moles for any sign of a change to the size, shape, or colour. A round or oval shaped mole with smooth edges is usually nothing to worry about. However, changes to the appearance of the mole can be a sign of melanoma, which is a form of skin cancer. These are the main warning signals to look out for:
- It has changed colour or develops more than one colour, such as pink, black, or brown
- The mole has uneven borders that appear blurred or asymmetrical
- The mole is raised, itching, or bleeding
- The mole has grown beyond 6mm in diameter
If you do have any concerns about a mole, it’s essential that you contact a doctor for advice as soon as possible. Most of the time, it will be nothing to worry about, but better to err on the side of caution.
If you are looking for cryopen mole removal, please get in touch with us today.