What are skin moles?
A mole is basically a lesion on the skin. They grow on the surface of the skin, but can also develop below the surface of the skin: skin diseases like melanoma (what is melanoma?) evolve from moles and grow below that surface, for example. Skin moles are not dangerous while present, although any change could indicate that there is a certain risk. If you detect any abnormal growth or change in color, make sure to do a self-check or have it diagnosed by a doctor or dermatologist.
What causes skin moles?
Skin moles occur from skin cells. Normally, these cells will spread out over the whole body. But sometimes they will grow in a cluster, forming the dot that we call a mole. To be more scientific: these skin cells are called ‘melanocytes’ and these melanocytes are the cells that we get our skin color from – the pigment of these cells to be exact. The change of skin moles can have a variety of causes. The sun plays a big part when it comes to the change of color: UV exposure can darken moles and in the process make them more vulnerable for skin diseases.
Skin moles and skin cancer risk
So in general, skin moles are just a natural thing to have. But like all parts of your body they form a certain risk. Skin cancer is the biggest threat to a healthy mole.
The best thing to do when it comes to your skin is form a ‘skin routine’. This is a combination of different things that will make sure you stay safe, and your skin keeps looking healthy and shiny as well: take good care of your skin by using natural skin care products, self-check moles that you don’t trust with the SkinVision app to detect any risks, and use the ABCDE-method to manually look for signs of skin cancer.
The ABCDE checklist:
Dermatologists identify melanoma symptoms using the ABCDE method. This method shows you which signs to look out for when examining suspicious moles, spots or growths on your skin.
- Asymmetrical – Melanomas are distinctly asymmetrical
- Border – melanomas have uneven borders
- Colours – melanomas will contain at least two distinct colours
- Diameter – melanomas are bigger than ¼ inch across
- Enlargement – melanomas grow in size over time
The evolution of your mole(s) has become the most important factor to consider when it comes to diagnosing a melanoma. Knowing what is normal for YOU could save your life. If a mole has gone through recent changes in color and/or size, bring it to the attention of a dermatologist immediately.
Read more: ABCDE Melanoma self check
Learn to apply this skin routine and feel better about your skin. Also, share with others and help raise awareness of skin cancer risk.
