The ABCDEs of Moles: What to Look For

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and I want to talk about something I get asked about all the time — moles. Specifically, how do you know when one is fine and when it's time to get it checked?

First off, having moles is completely normal. Most people have between 10 and 40 of them, and the vast majority are totally harmless. But skin cancer is also the most common cancer in the United States, and the good news is that when it's caught early, it's very treatable. So knowing what to look for isn't about scaring yourself every time you look in the mirror. It's about knowing your skin well enough to notice when something changes.

That's where the ABCDEs come in.

The ABCDEs of Moles

A — Asymmetry

If you drew a line down the middle of a healthy mole, both halves would look roughly the same. Asymmetry is when one half looks noticeably different from the other in shape or size. That's worth paying attention to.

B — Border

Normal moles have smooth, even edges. If the border looks ragged, notched, or like it's kind of blurring into the surrounding skin, that's something I'd want to see.

C — Color

A mole should be one consistent color, usually a shade of tan or brown. If you're noticing multiple colors in the same spot, like different shades of brown, black, or even areas of red, white, or blue, that's a flag.

D — Diameter

Most melanomas are larger than 6 millimeters when they're found. That's about the size of a pencil eraser. If something is bigger than that, even if it looks normal in every other way, it's worth having it looked at.

E — Evolving

This one is really important. Any mole that is changing in size, shape, or color needs to be seen. And if a mole starts to itch, bleed, or crust over, don't wait. A mole that used to look one way and now looks different is your body telling you to pay attention.

So when should you actually call us?

Here's my simple rule: if something has been there for more than 30 days and it's not healing, or it's changing, itching, bleeding, or just doesn't feel right to you, call us. You know your body. Trust yourself.

You don't need to figure this out on your own. That's literally what we're here for. A skin check is quick, it's not a big deal, and the peace of mind you get from knowing is always worth it.

We're in Big Lake and we would love to see you.

You can book online or give us a call at 320-204-4858, whichever is easier for you.

Your skin is worth taking care of.

— Crista Wenisch, DCNP | Beautiful You Dermatology