When you look at your skin, you might notice a few moles. They are generally harmless and can be found anywhere on the body. However, there are times when you want to be cautious with the moles that you see, paying attention to some of their features as they could be an indication of skin cancer. Fortunately, most moles can be removed with little side effects.
Draw Lines
One of the things that you want to look for is the shape of the mole. Normal moles are usually the same size on both sides. Imagine drawing a line down the center and seeing the same thing on both sides of the line. This means that the mole has symmetry. If you see a mole that is irregular, then it should be examined as it’s not growing evenly.
Check the Color
The color of the mole shouldn’t change over time. Most moles are brown. It might get a tad darker as you age, but the color should never become black, yellow or other colors that you might associate with a bruise or an infection. If you notice the color of the mole changing, along with the size or shape, then you want to see a dermatologist who can often freeze the mole off. If freezing isn’t an option, then the doctor can cut the mole out through with a simple surgical procedure.
Feel the Surface
When you run your finger over the surface of the moles on your skin, they should be smooth. They should also rest flat against the skin, although some might be raised a small bit. You shouldn’t feel any kind of bumps on the mole or any kind of scaling on the surface. There shouldn’t be any kind of oozing coming from the surface of the mole. Any noted differences in the surface should be noted and how long it has taken for the surface to change.
Sense the Sensation
You shouldn’t be able to tell that there’s a mole on your skin unless you look at the area. When your mole begins to itch or becomes painful, it’s time to visit a doctor to get it examined. Moles that you can sense on your skin are those that have usually progressed to a stage where they need to be removed.
Most moles on your body are harmless and are there for decoration. At times, the moles on your skin might begin to change. If you detect any change at all, visit a doctor who can test the mole to determine if it’s cancer or not or needs to be removed.