Checking Your Moles

Regular mole checking is a vital part of looking after your skin health. By monitoring your moles monthly, you can spot any concerning changes early. The key is to know your skin well enough to notice when something’s different.
The most important thing to remember is the ABCDE rule for checking moles:

• Asymmetry: Are both halves of the mole different?
• Border: Is the edge uneven or ragged?
• Color: Are there multiple colors or changes in shade?
• Diameter: Is it larger than a pencil eraser (6mm)?
• Evolution: Has it changed in size, shape, or color?

Check your entire body in a well-lit room using both a full-length and hand mirror. Don’t forget hidden areas like between toes, scalp, and back. If you notice any changes or are worried about a mole, contact your doctor – it’s always better to get it checked professionally.
Other Concerning Signs to Watch For:
New lumps or bumps that appear without reason
Sores that don’t heal within 3 weeks
Growths that crust, bleed, or itch
Spots that look different from others (“ugly duckling” sign)
Any rapid changes in existing spots

For Rashes and Itchy Areas:
Keep track of:
When the rash/itching started
What makes it better or worse
Any patterns in when it appears
If it’s related to specific triggers (food, stress, products)
Whether it comes and goes or stays constant

For Skin Color Changes:
Where the changes are occurring
Whether they’re getting larger
If they’re symmetrical or patchy
Any associated symptoms

Before Your Appointment:

Take photos of your concerns if possible
Write down when you first noticed each issue
Note any family history of skin conditions
List any medications you’re taking
Prepare questions about prevention and self-monitoring

THE COMPLETE MOLE CHECK PROCESS:
When to Check:
Once every month
After a shower or bath
In a well-lit room
Using both a full-length mirror and hand mirror

Step-by-Step Body Check:
Face and Front:
Examine face, neck, chest
Don’t forget lips, nose, and around ears
Check under breasts if applicable

Scalp:
Use a comb to part hair in sections
Consider asking someone to help
Pay special attention to neck hairline
Arms and Hands:
Check all sides of arms
Look between fingers
Check fingernails and palms
Don’t forget armpits
Back and Shoulders:
Use hand mirror with full-length mirror
Look at entire back
Check back of neck
Lower Body:
Examine front and back of legs
Check between toes and soles of feet
Look at toenails
Don’t forget genitals and buttocks
The ABCDE Warning Signs (in detail):
Asymmetry:
Draw an imaginary line through middle
Do both halves match?
Border:
Should be smooth and even
Warning signs: ragged, notched, or blurred edges
Color:
Normal moles are usually one color
Concerning signs: multiple shades of brown, tan, black
Watch for red, white, or blue colors appearing
Diameter:
Use a pencil eraser as guide (6mm)
Larger needs checking, though dangerous moles can be smaller
Evolution:
Any change in size, shape, or color
New symptoms (itching, bleeding, crusting)
Additional Warning Signs:

New moles after age 30
Moles that look different from others
Itching or bleeding moles
Tender or painful moles
Scaly or crusty surface

When to See Doctor Immediately:

Any mole showing ABCDE changes
Moles that bleed without injury
New moles in adulthood
Moles that cause pain
Any mole you’re worried about