What should you know about body moles?

A mole, also called a melanocytic naevus or beauty spot, forms from pigment-producing cells. It may be flat or raised, smooth or textured, and range from light brown to very dark. Many remain stable for years. Appearance alone cannot confirm whether a mole is harmless, so a clinician may inspect it with dermoscopy and compare it with nearby marks.

Pay attention to a new mark or a noticeable change in size, shape, colour, border, surface, sensation, or pattern. Irritation from clothing can make a benign mole sore, but persistent tenderness, crusting, or bleeding still deserves an assessment.

Check your skin in good light and keep a simple record of any mole that looks different from the others. Do not cut, burn, tie off, or apply unapproved products to a mole at home. Use sun protection and avoid deliberate tanning, since ultraviolet exposure can make skin monitoring harder and may damage surrounding skin.

A dermatologist can discuss observation, a clinical examination, or removal when a mole is troublesome, uncertain, or unwanted for cosmetic reasons. Options may include [Mole Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/mole-removal/) or [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/), depending on the lesion and the need for laboratory examination.

Arrange a prompt dermatology review for a mole that changes quickly, develops several colours, has an irregular outline, repeatedly bleeds, forms a persistent crust, or becomes persistently itchy or painful. Seek urgent medical help for heavy bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure. A clinician can decide how quickly the mark needs attention.

Ask whether the mole needs dermoscopy, a photograph for comparison, monitoring, or removal. You can also ask what change should trigger a return visit, whether removed tissue will be examined, and how to care for the site afterward.