Patrol Your Moles: What They Mean for Your Skin Health
Having moles on your skin is usually nothing to worry about. They are very common, and most adults have between on their body. While most moles are harmless, it鈥檚 important to:
- Monitor them for any changes
- Follow protective guidelines when you plan to be in the sun
- Have them regularly checked by a dermatologist
Some moles can develop into skin cancer, including melanoma, which can be deadly.
Moles are the result of the overgrowth of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Although it鈥檚 possible for moles to be present at birth, sun exposure plays a significant role in their development, especially in people who have fair skin. According to the , ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are the number one cause of skin cancer.
鈥淢oles are thought to be largely genetic, but predisposition for moles is accelerated by sun exposure,鈥 says Douglas Grossman, MD, PhD, co-leader of Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 Melanoma Center and a professor of at 麻豆学生精品版. 鈥淗aving a large number of moles is associated with a two- to four-fold increased risk of melanoma. Having atypical moles, such as ones that are large or irregular, is also associated with increased risk.鈥
When Should I Worry About a Mole?
If you have moles, you should perform a self-check every one to two months. Be sure to check your whole body for new moles or changes to existing ones, as this could point to skin cancer. Have a family member or friend check hard-to-see places such as your scalp and back. Use the ABCDE rule to monitor your moles:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn鈥檛 match the other
- Border: The edges of the moles are irregular or jagged
- Color: The mole has various shades of brown, black, or red, or has changed colors
- Diameter: It鈥檚 larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolving: The mole has noticeably changed in one or more of the above ways
鈥淪omeone should see a dermatologist for any lesion they are concerned about, particularly if there have been recent changes in appearance, or if it鈥檚 bleeding or crusting,鈥 Grossman says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to remember that most melanomas arise as new lesions. Only about one-third of melanomas arise from pre-existing moles.鈥
Grossman recommends mole mapping for those who have numerous moles. During a mole mapping session, high-resolution images are taken of all lesions on a person鈥檚 body. A patient can use them as a reference during their monthly self-checks, and their dermatologist can track any noticeable changes during annual exams.
How Do I Protect Myself?
If you have many moles or a family history of skin cancer, it鈥檚 especially important that you take steps to protect your skin. Besides monthly self-checks and annual visits to the dermatologist, you should:
- Wear mineral-based sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Be sure it鈥檚 labeled as 鈥渂road-spectrum,鈥 as these protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Put on sunscreen 30 minutes before you plan on being in the sun. Reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
- Wear sun-protective clothing.
- Stay in the shade during peak daylight hours when the UV index is high, usually between 10am and 4pm.
- Avoid tanning beds.
Taking steps to protect your skin is crucial in preventing skin cancer, and knowing what your moles mean can help you understand when you should have a dermatologist take a closer look.
