Most moles are harmless and stay the same for a long time. A mole is usually considered safe when it looks similar to your other moles and does not change as the years pass. Learning what is normal for your skin makes it easier to notice anything unusual early.

What are the Signs of a safe mole

A mole is generally low risk or safe  if it:

• Has smooth and well-defined edges
• Is round or oval in shape
• Shows one consistent colour
• Is small (around the size of a pencil eraser)
• Remains unchanged in size, shape, and colour

Why knowing your skin is important

Every person's skin is different, and moles can vary from one individual to another. By becoming familiar with how your skin normally looks, you are more likely to spot new moles or changes early, when treatment is usually easier and more effective.

If a mole starts to grow, change colour, alter its shape, or feel different, it's important to have it checked by a healthcare professional.

Types of skin moles

Moles can appear in many forms, and most are not dangerous. Some are present from an early age, while others develop later due to sun exposure or natural changes in the body. Knowing the general types of moles can help you monitor your skin with confidence.

Common moles

Common moles are usually small, evenly shaped, and evenly coloured. They often appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, or back. These moles usually stay the same for many years and rarely cause problems.

Atypical moles

Atypical moles look different from ordinary moles. They may be larger, have uneven edges, or show more than one colour. Most are still harmless, but people with many atypical moles may have a higher risk of skin cancer, which makes regular skin checks important.

Moles based on when they appear

Some moles are present at birth or develop in early childhood, while others appear later in life. Both types can be normal, but any mole, no matter when it appeared, should be monitored for changes.

Moles based on where they form in the skin

Moles may be flat, raised, or a combination of both, depending on where pigment cells are located in the skin. These differences are usually harmless. What matters most is any change over time, not the type or location of the mole.

Signs a mole may need medical attention

Changes are often more important than how a mole originally looked. Even small changes can be worth checking.

Have a mole examined if you notice:

• It is growing or changing shape
• The edges become uneven or unclear
• The colour changes or shows multiple shades
• It itches, bleeds, scabs, or becomes raised
  
  

The ABCDE rule (easy self-check)

The ABCDE guide is a simple way to remember warning signs of skin cancer when checking your moles:

• A – Asymmetry: One side looks different from the other
• B – Border: Edges are irregular or blurred
• C – Colour: More than one colour is visible
• D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm
• E – Evolving: Any change over time
  

Check your moles regularly

Regular skin checks help you notice changes early, when treatment works best. Make sure to check all areas of your skin, including places that are hard to see.

The DermPro app helps you track your moles over time, recognise changes early, and understand when it may be time to seek medical advice, giving you greater confidence and peace of mind about your skin health.