How to monitor many moles?

[Patience1]

I have lots of moles. The few large (circa 5mm) ones are mostly on my ankles and shoulders and fairly easy to keep an eye on. But I have so many small ones of around 3mm or less, I don't know how I can monitor so many or notice any changes?

[Dr Zainab Laftah]

Dear Patience1

I recommend my patients take a photograph of their moles as a reference to refer back to when keeping an eye on them. Moles on the back particularly are difficult to see and you can use a mirror or ask a friend/loved one to check. We recommend using the ABCDE rule. If the mole is;

A - (Asymmetry) the two halves of the mole do not look the same
B - (Border) the edges of the mole are irregular, blurred or jagged
C - (Colour) the colour of the mole is uneven with more than one shade
D - (Diameter) the diameter is more than 6mm
E - (Evolving) the moles is changing

Or if you have any concerns about a mole then please see your GP or dermatologist.

Best wishes

Dr Zainab Laftah

[Dr Walayat Hussain]

As most of us own a smart phone or a device such as a tablet, taking pictures with these devices can be really helpful in monitoring your moles. They are especially helpful as they allow you to zoom in on the area in question. Having a baseline of your moles via photography is a really helpful way of not worrying too much as it will enable you objectively see if a mole has changed, and if so, to seek advice from your GP.