Should I be worried about a mole?

Should I be worried about a mole? The simple answer: if in doubt, check it.

Most moles are harmless. Many appear in childhood or early adulthood and stay the same for years. Others develop later in life. What matters isn’t having moles — it’s whether a mole is new or changing.

Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. That’s why understanding what to look for is empowering, not frightening.

Dermatologists use a simple, evidence-based framework recommended by the British Association of Dermatologists to assess moles: ABCDE.

The ABCDE way to check your moles

You don’t need specialist equipment — just awareness.

A — Asymmetry

One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.

B — Border

Edges look irregular, blurred, notched or ragged.

C — Colour

Uneven colour, or multiple shades (brown, black, pink, red, or even purple).

D — Diameter

Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) — or growing.

E — Expert / Evolving

Any change over weeks or months — size, shape, colour, itching, bleeding, or crusting — should be checked.

If a mole is changing, new, or simply doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct.

What’s normal for a mole — and when should I seek advice?

Usually normal:

• Moles that have looked the same for years

• Small, evenly coloured, symmetrical moles

• Freckles that darken in summer and fade in winter

Worth checking:

• A new mole in adulthood

• A mole that looks different from your others (“the ugly duckling”)

• Any mole that changes, bleeds, crusts, or becomes itchy

• A sore that doesn’t heal

You don’t need to decide what something is — that’s our job. Your role is simply to notice change.

How often should I check my skin?

The British Association of Dermatologists recommends checking your skin about once a month, from head to toe.

That includes:

• Scalp, behind ears, and neck

• Underarms and between fingers

• Legs, soles of feet, and between toes

• Back and hard-to-see areas (make it fun and ask for help, or use mirrors)

It sounds like a lot — but once it becomes routine, it takes just a few minutes.

When should I see a dermatologist if I am worried about a mole?

Book a professional skin check if:

• You notice any ABCDE changes

• You have a new mole in adulthood

• You’ve had significant sun exposure (especially blistering sunburns)

• You have lots of moles or atypical moles

• Skin cancer runs in your family

• You want reassurance from an expert

At No. 23 Skin, mole checks are performed by experienced dermatologists who lead or have led skin cancer services in the NHS and who look at your skin properly — not rushed, not automated, not over-medicalised.

Sometimes we’ll reassure you and send you on your way. Sometimes we’ll monitor. And sometimes, acting early makes all the difference.

Skin that should be lived in

We’re not here to tell you to avoid the sun forever, panic over every freckle, or obsess over your reflection.

We’re here to help you:

• Enjoy life safely, not fearfully

• Understand your skin, not second-guess it

• Know when to live — and when to check

That’s what real skin health looks like.

Thinking about a mole check?

If something has caught your eye — or you simply want peace of mind — we’re here.

Book a skin check or dermatology consultation with No. 23 Skin.
Expert-led. Evidence-based. Calm, clear, and human.

Book online, or ask us your questions here. 

Helen & the team at No. 23

PS – a couple of resources you may find useful:

1. Our favourite SPFs
2. Quick mole check guide (not to be used in replace of professional medical checks|)
3. Patient Stories
4. NHS Mole Check Advice