21st June 2019

Mole Checks with Dr Firas Al-Niaimi

As common as moles are – and although they are usually not a cause for concern, it’s strongly advisable to carry-out a regular check on them to look for any abnormalities and seek medical attention where appropriate. Most people are born with moles, and anything between 10-40 moles will appear during the first 25 years of your life, although some people have many more. If you identify any significant changes in your moles, you may need to seek expert advice.

The ‘ABCDE’ Method

Medical professionals have recommended conducting a check that follows an ‘ABCDE’ guideline, which ensures that you tick-off every aspect you need to take a closer look at them:

A – Asymmetry – Does the mole have a symmetrical shape?
B – Border – Does it have an even or uneven edge?
C – Colour – Has it darkened in colour or does it vary in colour?
D – Diameter – Is it larger than 6mm in diameter?
E – Evolution – Can you identify any significant change to your mole?

Normal Vs. Abnormal

Normal moles are typically no larger in diameter than 6mm, are uniform in colour, are symmetrical and have an even edge. Some abnormalities in moles include: a variation in colour or becoming darker, having an asymmetrical shape, having an uneven border or itching and showing signs of bleeding.

Any changes to these aspects may indicate an underlying health problem, such as melanoma, which is the third most common skin cancer. To identify a condition such as this in its early stages is imperative, and we urge you to frequently check your moles.

Seeking Expert Advice

If you have any worries arise regarding the condition of your skin, experienced dermatologist: Dr. Firas Al-Niaimi, can offer you a thorough skin assessment to investigate any of your concerns and can then advise you of the best treatment option for you. Dr Firas can also offer laser treatment to eradicate moles. Book your consultation today.