Medical Dermatology

Mole Checks

It is important to examine your skin regularly for any new changes.

Early detection and early treatment give you an excellent chance of a cure.

This general advice on the best approach to skin self examination. Follow this systematic approach to ensure you do not miss anything.

Examine your back and bum with a hand mirror. Do not forget the back of your neck. Part your hair for a closer look at your scalp. Check the backs of your legs and feet. Always examine the sows of your feet for new changes or new moles. Next when examining your arms. Check your forearms, elbows, upper underarms and hands. Stand in front of a mirror to examine your body. Do not forget your back too. Lift your arms and examine the right and left sides of your body. Using a mirror can make this process easier. You can therefore detect changes in your moles at an early stage.

Changes to look out for when examining your moles.

• Watch out for any change in colour, size or shape of a mole or freckle.
• Changes in shape of your mole. Any irregular change in the shape of the mole. Especially if one part of the mole or freckle is unlike the other. If a mole is spreading outwards in one direction.
• Irregularity of the edges of a mole. Any change in the edges of a mole or freckle. It may have a rough or unclear border.
• Variation in colour. If there are colour changes I.e different shades of tan, brown or black. Or it can be white, red or blue.
• Change in size. If your mole is gradually increasing in size you should consult your doctor for a skin check


I have had episodes of bad sunburn the past, should I be concerned?
Sunburn is caused UVB radiation. All types of sunburn, whether serious or mild, cause permanent skin damage. Sunburn whether it develops in childhood , adolesence or adulthood is an important risk factor for developing skin cancer in later life.

Remember your A-B-C-D: when checking for changes in your moles

• Asymmetry
• Border irregularity
• Colour variety
• Diameter

To donwload our leaflet to help you with how to check for melanoma please click here:

files/UserFiles/file/malignant%20melanoma.pdf

Book a consultation with your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of these changes.