Moles, also known as melanocytic naevi

Mole are small skin lesions, usually brown. They are a collection of cells called melanocytes, which produce the colour (pigment) in your skin. They usually first appear during childhood and increase during adolescence and may decrease in the elderly. Moles may get slightly darker during pregnancy. Most people have between 5-20 moles on their body.

Moles are usually a brownish colour, although some may be darker or skin –coloured. They can be flat or raised, smooth or rough and some have hair growing from them. Moles are usually circular or oval with a smooth edge.

The importance of pigmented moles lies in the identification of those with potential for malignant change. Most moles are harmless, but in a few rare cases they can develop into an aggressive form of skin cancer called malignant melanoma.

You should check your moles every few months for any changes.

• Bleeding, itching, red, inflamed (swollen) or crusty moles: if your moles are like this and have not been picked or caught on something seek advice without delay.
• The appearance of a new mole that looks irregular or unusual: it is normal to develop new moles as you get older but you should get them checked out if the colour does not look even or the edge looks irregular.
• Patches of skin that are flaky, itchy, tender, oozing, bleeding, or red that do not have an obvious cause , such as eczema (a condition that causes dry , flaky skin)