Moles: what's normal and when to see a dermatologist
How to check your moles: what a normal mole looks like, the ABCDEs of melanoma, the ugly duckling sign and when to see a dermatologist.
By the Green Point editorial teamUpdated 7 min readKey takeaways
- Most moles are harmless. A normal mole is usually small, round or oval, evenly colored and stays the same from month to month.
- Use the ABCDEs (asymmetry, border, color, diameter, evolving) and the "ugly duckling" sign to spot moles worth showing a doctor.
- Any new, changing, itching or bleeding mole should be checked by a doctor or dermatologist promptly. Don't wait to see if it goes away.
- A head-to-toe self-check about once a month helps you notice changes early.
- Apps, Green Point's Skin Scan included, can't tell you whether a mole is harmless. Only a doctor can.
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Most moles are harmless: a normal mole is usually small, round or oval, one even color and unchanged over time. See a dermatologist promptly if a mole is new in adulthood, changes in size, shape or color, looks different from your other moles, or starts to itch, bleed or crust. Early checks matter because melanoma is most treatable when found early.
What does a normal mole look like?
Moles (nevi) are clusters of pigment cells. They are very common: according to the US National Cancer Institute, most adults have between 10 and 40 common moles. Most appear during childhood, people can keep developing new moles until about age 40, and common moles tend to fade in older age.
A typical common mole is:
- Usually smaller than about 5 millimeters across
- Round or oval, with a smooth, distinct edge
- One even color, often pink, tan or brown (moles are often darker on brown and black skin)
- Flat or dome-shaped, and stable from month to month
Only rarely does a common mole turn into melanoma. In fact, melanoma more often starts on skin that looked normal before, which is why new spots deserve as much attention as old moles. Melanoma can appear on any skin surface, including places that rarely see the sun. In people with darker skin, it is often found under the nails, on the palms or on the soles of the feet.
The ABCDEs of melanoma
Dermatologists use the ABCDE rule to describe features that can point to melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. If a mole or pigmented spot shows any of these, book an appointment.
| Letter | What to look for |
|---|---|
| A: Asymmetry | One half of the spot doesn't match the other half. |
| B: Border | The edge is irregular, ragged, notched, scalloped or blurred. |
| C: Color | The color varies within the spot: shades of brown, black, pink, red, white or blue. |
| D: Diameter | Larger than about 6 millimeters (roughly a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller. |
| E: Evolving | The spot is changing in size, shape or color, or looks different from the rest. |
The ABCDEs are a guide, not a test you can pass or fail. A mole that ticks none of the boxes but is new or changing still deserves a professional look.
The "ugly duckling" sign
Most of your moles tend to look alike, like members of the same family. The ugly duckling sign is a mole that looks different from all the others: darker, bigger, a different shape, or a single spot that stands out. The American Cancer Society names this as a warning sign, even when the spot doesn't match the ABCDEs.
Other skin cancer signs to watch for
Besides the ABCDEs, cancer organizations list these changes as reasons to get checked:
- A sore that doesn't heal
- Pigment spreading from the edge of a spot into the surrounding skin
- Redness or new swelling beyond the border of a mole
- Itching, tenderness or pain in a mole
- A change in the surface: scaliness, oozing, bleeding or a new lump or bump
- A new mole or spot that appears in adulthood
How to do a monthly mole check
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends checking your skin head-to-toe once a month. Knowing what your moles normally look like is what makes a change easy to spot. All you need is good light, a full-length mirror and a hand mirror.
- Check your face, including your nose, lips, mouth and ears (front and back).
- Part your hair in sections to see your scalp, or ask someone to help.
- Look at your palms, the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails, then your arms and underarms.
- In the full-length mirror, check your neck, chest and torso, including under the breasts.
- With your back to the mirror, use the hand mirror for your neck, shoulders, back, buttocks and the backs of your legs.
- Sit down to check your legs, feet, soles, between your toes and your toenails (without polish).
Who has a higher risk of melanoma?
Anyone can get melanoma, but these factors raise the risk:
- Many moles, several large moles, or atypical moles (dysplastic nevi)
- Fair skin that burns easily, light eyes, or red or blond hair
- At least one severe, blistering sunburn
- Use of tanning beds or sunlamps
- Close relatives who have had melanoma
- A previous melanoma
- A weakened immune system
If several of these apply to you, ask your doctor how often you should have a professional skin exam. People with many atypical moles or a family history of melanoma are often checked on a regular schedule.
How to protect your skin and your moles
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and from tanning beds damages skin and is linked to melanoma and other skin cancers. Daily protection is the habit with the biggest payoff: seek shade around midday, wear a hat and sunglasses, skip tanning beds and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin.
Our sunscreen guide explains how much to apply and how often to reapply, and mineral vs chemical sunscreen helps you choose UV filters you are comfortable with.
Can an app check my moles?
No app can tell you whether a mole is harmless. Green Point's Skin Scan analyzes a selfie for 10 cosmetic concerns, and moles are one of them, but it can't tell whether a mole is harmless. It is for general information, is not a medical device and does not detect or rule out skin cancer.
Use Skin Scan for everyday skincare questions, like those in our overview of common skin problems, and leave moles to a doctor or dermatologist.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to get new moles as an adult?
New moles are common in children and teenagers. According to the US National Cancer Institute, people can keep developing new moles until about age 40, so a new mole in adulthood is often harmless. But melanoma often starts as a new spot on normal-looking skin, so tell your doctor about any new mole or spot in adulthood rather than waiting to see what it does.
Should I worry about a mole that itches?
An occasional itch from dry skin or clothing rubbing is not unusual. But a mole that keeps itching, becomes tender or painful, bleeds or crusts is listed by cancer organizations as a warning sign. Make an appointment with a doctor or dermatologist so they can examine it, especially if the mole has also changed in any way.
Can moles change during pregnancy?
Yes. The NHS notes that moles can get slightly darker during pregnancy, and this is usually harmless. Still, pregnancy is not a reason to ignore a mole that grows, changes shape, develops several colors, bleeds or looks different from your others. Mention any changes to your doctor or midwife, who can refer you to a dermatologist.
Can I remove a mole at home?
No. Cutting, burning or applying removal creams to a mole can cause infection and scarring, and it destroys the tissue a doctor would need to examine if the mole were cancerous. If a mole bothers you, for example because it catches on clothing, a dermatologist can examine it and remove it safely if appropriate.
How often should a dermatologist check my skin?
It depends on your risk. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests a yearly full-body exam with a dermatologist. People with many atypical moles, a previous melanoma or a family history of melanoma may be advised to come more often. Your doctor can recommend a schedule that fits your personal risk factors.
Sources
- Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma Skin CancerAmerican Cancer Society
- Common Moles, Dysplastic Nevi, and Risk of MelanomaNational Cancer Institute
- MolesNHS
- Self-ExamsThe Skin Cancer Foundation
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. If you have a skin, allergy or health concern, talk to a doctor, dermatologist or dietitian. Green Point scores and Skin Scan results are informational and are not a diagnosis.
