Moles

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Moles are small dark marks on the skin. They are caused by cells in the skin that produce pigment (colour). Moles are usually brownish, although some may be darker or skin-coloured. Moles can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and some have hair growing from them. Moles are usually circular or oval in shape with a smooth edge.

Some moles are present at birth. These are called congenital melanonaevi. However, most moles develop during the first 20 years of life (and sometimes into the 30s and 40s). They often develop if you spend a lot of time in the sun, and tend to appear on parts of the body that catch the most sunlight, such as your face.

Moles can start to look different over time and sometimes respond to hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, adolescence and the menopause. Some even disappear over time or fall off, often without you realising.

Seborrhoeic keratoses are moles that are common in older people who have spent a lot of time in the sun. The edge of the mole is quite faint and theyâ€™re usually raised from the surface of the skin. They vary in colour from skin colour to orange and black.