Worried About A New Mole On Your Skin? Here Are 5 Signs To Look Out For

Summer in the UK is getting hotter, which means many of us are spending more time outdoors and in the sunshine.

If you’ve recently noticed a new mole on your skin, or a change in the appearance of an existing one, it’s worth getting it looked at.

The good news is that most new moles are completely harmless. But knowing what to look for helps you recognise when a mole warrants an appointment and when it doesn’t.

Below, we explain what moles are, why they appear, five signs worth watching for, and when you should see a doctor.

What Is A Mole And Why Can They Appear In Summer?

A mole is a small coloured spot on the skin, formed when pigment cells (melanocytes) cluster in groups rather than spreading evenly across the skin. Some people have a lot of moles, and some people have few – and most of them are nothing to worry about.

New moles often develop from childhood through to your 30s and 40s. This can be down to increased sun exposure, hormonal changes such as puberty or pregnancy, and it may also be genetic. New moles become less common after your 40s, which is why one appearing later in life is always worth getting checked.

As you age, it’s only natural that your skin goes through changes. The sun specifically can influence these changes, making your skin age more rapidly and increasing your chances of developing new moles.

Summer is usually when people notice them, and there are two reasons for that. The first is biological – UV exposure stimulates the pigment cells in your skin, so existing moles can darken and new ones can surface. 

The second is simply that you’re looking more. When you’ve been on holiday or spent more time in the sun, you’re wearing less and applying sun cream to skin you don’t usually see, so a mole that’s been there for years can feel brand new.

While some sun exposure helps your body produce vitamin D, too much UV can increase your risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

That’s why protecting your skin matters. Cancer Research UK’s sun safety guidance recommends three things:

• Seek shade – particularly between 11am and 3pm, when UV levels in the UK are at their highest.
• Cover up – long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Use sunscreen properly – SPF 30 or above with a 4- or 5-star rating, applied generously and topped up regularly.

Sunscreen alone isn’t enough, which is the point most people miss. You need to do all three together.

Should I Be Worried About New Moles Appearing On The Skin

In most cases, no, you shouldn’t be worried about new moles appearing on the skin. But being aware of them and noticing any changes is really important to spot signs early on.

New moles after the age of 40 or 50 are less common, so they’re worth getting checked out even if they look completely normal.

Some people also have a higher risk of melanoma. That includes anyone with fair skin that burns easily, red or blonde hair, light-coloured eyes, lots of freckles, more than 50 moles, a history of sunburn or sunbed use, a family history of melanoma, or a weakened immune system.

If any of those apply to you, it’s worth being a little more vigilant and taking more care when in the sun. Getting into the habit of a monthly check is a good way to keep an eye on things – looking over your skin in the mirror, asking a partner to check the areas you can’t see, like your back, or taking photos on your phone so you can compare each month.

Being checked and told it’s nothing isn’t a wasted appointment. It’s the outcome you want. Book your mole removal appointment.

5 Signs To Look Out For With A New Mole

Common moles tend to be round or oval-shaped with a smooth edge. They may also be slightly raised or completely flat, or even have a hair growing from them. 

Depending on the colour of your skin, moles can vary in colour. In those with brown or black skin, moles tend to appear darker compared to those with white skin. 

Knowing what is normal will help you identify what isn’t. Here are five signs (the ABCDE checklist used by dermatologists) you need to look out for when it comes to checking your skin:

1. Asymmetry – one half doesn’t match the other.
2. Border – ragged, blurred, notched, or irregular edges rather than a clean outline.
3. Colour – more than one shade, or uneven distribution of black, brown, pink, red, white or blue.
4. Diameter – larger than 6mm, though melanomas can be smaller when caught early.
5. Evolving – change in size, shape, colour or elevation over weeks or months. 

Other signs worth checking for include: itching, bleeding, oozing, crusting, inflammation, a change in sensation or a sore that won’t heal after a few weeks. 

Top tip: a mole that looks noticeably different compared to your other moles deserves attention regardless of the checklist. 

A lot of people don’t realise, but moles don’t just appear in the most obvious places like back, arms, legs or face. They can also appear on the palms of your hands, soles of your feet and under your nails. 

Knowing this helps you stay vigilant and ensures you don’t forget to check all areas of your body where melanoma can appear. 

When You Should See A Doctor About A New Mole

Book an appointment if any of the ABCDE checklist or any other signs listed above apply or if a mole is simply worrying you. Don’t wait for it to get worse and definitely don’t rely on apps or online photo checkers for a diagnosis.

The mole needs to be checked by a professional; otherwise, you could end up down a rabbit hole and worrying yourself even more.

What actually happens at the appointment

Most of the worry is about the unknown; having a mole checked is actually quick and painless.

The doctor will look at it closely, usually with a dermatoscope – a handheld magnifier that reveals the structures beneath the surface. They’ll ask how long it’s been there and whether anything about it has changed. 

If the mole does need removing, you will need a minor procedure under local anaesthetic, and the tissue can be sent to a laboratory for a definitive answer rather than a visual opinion.

Still feeling worried? Email a photo to info@thelagom.co.uk, and we’ll advise on next steps.

Mole Removal Service At The Lagom Clinic

At The Lagom Clinic, we specialise in mole removal. Whether a new mole has appeared and you want it looked at, or you’re worried about changes in appearance, we can help.

We run a one-stop service, so no referral or separate GP consultation is needed. Simply come in, have the mole removed, and go home the same day – that’s one of the best things about going private. 

If you’d like us to assess it first, email us a photo to info@thelagom.co.uk and we’ll advise on the best approach. Removal is a minor procedure under local anaesthetic, taking around 15 to 30 minutes in our Minor Operations Suite. 

If there’s any concern about how a mole looks, we send it to an accredited laboratory for a pathology diagnosis to see whether or not it’s melanoma. We typically receive results back within 10 to 14 days, and we’ll contact you to talk them through.

We’ll also talk you through aftercare on the day. The main thing here is that it’s best to be safe if you’re unsure – no appointment is a waste of time if it stops you worrying.

Book online or call the clinic, and we’d be happy to answer any questions about mole removal.