Moles

You know that summer is here by the amount of people coming in to have examinations for moles. Obviously we have another good look at our skin when we put on our swimming shorts or bikini and it is then that we notice them.

Recognising a hyperplastic or abnormal mole

Moles appear mostly throughout your lifetime and differ from freckles, because they contain pigment forming cells (freckles contain only pigment granules). These cells can become malignant and then form a melanoma. It is important that you are able to recognise these so-called hyperplastic or abnormal moles. They are generally:

• larger than 5 millimeters
• irregular in colour
• have an unclear boundary with the surrounding normal skin.
• Asymmetric in shape (not a precise reflection if an imaginary line is drawn through the middle of the mole)

Hyperplastic moles are more likely to grow into a melanoma than regular moles. It is also therefore important to keep observing them carefully for any changes.

Digital skin scan

If someone has many hyperplastic moles, it is difficult to keep track of them. There is now however the possibility to check the entire skin with digital photography (digital skin scan). The computer automatically shows up any changes by repeating the scan. The skin specialist will then decide if it is necessary to remove the areas of skin that have altered.

UV-Rays…

Although it is not the only factor, sunlight ( as well as a sunbed) clearly increases the risk of melanomas appearing. In particular, burning from the sun (particularly at a young age) is dangerous.

So protect yourself with a good sun cream. Stay in the shade. And above all; don’t let your children burn in the sun.

Regards Peter.

Peter Velthuis is the Medical Director and Dermatologist at the Velthuis Clinic. He is writing as my guest blogger.

You can also read other blogs from Peter Velthuis’s or the blogs ‘Different Types of Pigment’, ‘A Good Sun Cream?’ and ‘You Are So Red! (what to do when you get sunburnt)’.