Sun, Sand and Moles – 5 Things You Need To Know!

We all love the sun during our well-earned holidays. If you’re like me and enjoy nothing more than baking in the sun for 7 days – possibly with a debatable number of cocktails by your side, you’ll probably not be thinking about moles!

Well, you need to pop down your Pina Coladas down and listen up – for the top 5 things you need to know about moles and being in the sun.

Have you ever spotted a mole you’d never noticed before? Join the club!

Moles are small, coloured spots that tend to live on the top layer of the skin. A normal mole, is usually an evenly coloured brown, tan, or black spot on the skin. It can be either flat or raised, round or oval.  Most moles are completely harmless but sometimes irritating.

What can the sun do to our moles?

In the sun, some of our moles become darker and somewhat more apparent.  But more importantly, exposure to the sun increases our risk of developing skin cancer. If you have quite a few moles, you are already more susceptible to developing a melanoma and if you lounge in the sun for too long, that risk increases even more.

How do we protect moles from the sun?

By keeping your moles well and truly protected with either sun cream or protective clothing you can reduce the risks significantly.

I think we can all admit that at some point in our lives we have been guilty of not applying sun cream regularly throughout the day.  It has been suggested that we should re-apply our sun cream at least every 2 hours, with NHS advice of using a minimum SPF 15, however if you burn easily, it’s better to use a solid SPF 30 – just to be on the safe side. Staying out of the sun between 11-3pm, which can be the hottest time of the day, can also help us avoid some of the sun’s UV rays too.

It’s not all doom and gloom though. Protecting yourself from the sun can mean a reason to shop for new pool and beachwear! Typically, kaftans or sheer textured cover ups are ideal to help keep you cool and protected throughout your day in the sun. Of course, sunglasses and a hat are great added protection if you have moles on your head, face or neckline.

Remember… sunburn can occur abroad and in the UK. Don’t be fooled by an overcast sky or a few clouds either, as your moles are still at risk from those UV rays.

How will I know if my mole needs medical attention?

If you notice any changes to your moles following a bit of sunbathing, then you should absolutely get them looked at!  Check for any that look different to your other moles or are larger than most, have smudgy or irregular edges, are uneven in colour or have some pinkness.

If you spot any of those signs, best to see a doctor and get them checked.  By spotting changing moles as soon as possible you are more likely to catch any signs of cancer early and can remove them before any further damage is done!

Can you remove a mole at home?

No! Never attempt to remove your moles yourself at home… this will only end badly. I know it can be tempting, but you can ultimately leave yourself in pain and with an unsightly scar – that may even look worse than the mole did!

If you want the perfect pool or beach selfie, and you have a mole in a visible location, then my tip would be to apply a bit of concealer to help hide it!  Having your mole removed by a medical professional is the best option if you want it done properly and safely.

Why get your mole removed?

From a personal point of view, I love buying new bikinis ready for my standard holiday snap by the pool (we all do it!) and I certainly do not want my moles ruining this moment for me.

Moles may also get accidentally scratched or irritated by clothing, becoming sore and inflamed. Removing these moles is a good way to be more comfortable and confident in your own clothes.

If you don’t like your moles then why not consider Pall Mall, where various treatment options for moles are available from expert dermatologists.

What can I do next?

If you want advice about private mole removal or you’re worried about the appearance of your mole then book in for a consultation with an expert check-up without any delays, including a full visual examination and dermoscopy (magnified analysis) to look deeper.

During your assessment appointment, some moles can be removed too, but this will depend on how severe they are and their location on the body. There are various options which can be discussed with you, including shave removal, excision, laser removal (cauterisation) and cryotherapy.

In addition, removed moles can be sent to the laboratory for histopathology analysis by a pathologist if you want added peace of mind from any disease worries.