Skin
New or changing mole
A mole or pigmented spot that is new, growing or changing in size, shape or colour, or that itches, bleeds or crusts — most are harmless, but because a changing mole can be the first sign of melanoma skin cancer, any genuine change should be checked promptly.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of new or changing mole and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is new or changing mole?
Moles are very common and most people have a number of them; the great majority are entirely harmless and stay much the same throughout adult life. What matters is change.
- Get urgent help: See a doctor urgently if a mole is Asymmetrical, has an irregular or blurred Border, shows more than one Colour, is larger than about 6mm in Diameter, or is Evolving — changing in size, shape or colour (the ABCDE rule for melanoma). See a doctor urgently for a mole that has started to itch, bleed, crust, become inflamed or ooze.
- Self-care: The most useful thing you can do is to know your own skin and watch for change, rather than to treat a mole yourself.
About new or changing mole
Moles are very common and most people have a number of them; the great majority are entirely harmless and stay much the same throughout adult life. What matters is change. A new mole appearing in adulthood, or an existing one that starts to grow, alter its shape or colour, or behave differently, deserves attention, because a changing mole can be the earliest sign of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that is far more treatable when caught early. The widely used ABCDE rule helps you decide what is suspicious: a mole that is Asymmetrical, has an irregular or blurred Border, shows more than one Colour, is larger than about 6mm in Diameter, or is Evolving — changing in any way, or starting to itch, bleed or crust — should be examined by a clinician without delay. Many spots that worry people turn out to be harmless — flat brown patches, raised warty-looking growths or fungal patches — but you should never try to decide this yourself: any genuinely new or changing mole warrants a professional check.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if new or changing mole comes with any of these warning signs:
- See a doctor urgently if a mole is Asymmetrical, has an irregular or blurred Border, shows more than one Colour, is larger than about 6mm in Diameter, or is Evolving — changing in size, shape or colour (the ABCDE rule for melanoma).
- See a doctor urgently for a mole that has started to itch, bleed, crust, become inflamed or ooze.
- See a doctor promptly for a brand-new mole appearing in adulthood, or any mole that looks different from your others (the so-called ugly duckling).
- See a doctor for a fast-growing, dark or raised nodule, or any pigmented spot under a nail or on the palm or sole.
When to see a doctor
Any mole that is new, growing or changing in size, shape or colour, or that has started to itch, bleed or crust, should be checked promptly — book an appointment and ask for it to be examined, as an early melanoma is far more treatable than a late one. The ABCDE rule and the idea of an ugly-duckling mole that stands out from your others are useful guides. Even if you are unsure, it is always better to have a changing mole looked at than to wait and watch, because spotting melanoma early makes a real difference to the outcome.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of new or changing mole
New or changing mole has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
The most useful thing you can do is to know your own skin and watch for change, rather than to treat a mole yourself. Check your skin regularly, including the back, scalp and soles, using a mirror or asking someone to help with hard-to-see areas, and consider photographing any mole you are watching so you can spot subtle change over time. Apply the ABCDE rule, and never try to remove, cut, burn or scratch a mole, as this will not remove a cancer and can delay diagnosis. Protect your skin from sunburn and avoid sunbeds, as ultraviolet exposure is the main preventable risk for melanoma: cover up, seek shade and use sun protection generously. None of this replaces a professional check — if a mole is new, growing or changing, book an appointment promptly.
Answers
New or changing mole: frequently asked questions
How do I know if a mole is dangerous?
Use the ABCDE rule: be concerned about a mole that is Asymmetrical, has an irregular Border, shows more than one Colour, is larger than about 6mm in Diameter, or is Evolving — changing in any way, or starting to itch, bleed or crust. Any of these should be checked promptly.
Are most changing moles cancer?
No. Most moles and pigmented spots are harmless, and many things people worry about turn out to be benign, such as flat brown patches or warty-looking growths. But because a changing mole can be an early melanoma, you should never decide this yourself — get it checked.
Should I have a worrying mole removed myself?
Never try to remove, cut, burn or scratch off a mole yourself. This will not remove a cancer if one is present, can cause harm, and may delay proper diagnosis. Always have a suspicious mole assessed by a clinician.
How can I lower my risk of skin cancer?
Protect your skin from sunburn and avoid sunbeds, as ultraviolet exposure is the main preventable risk. Cover up, seek shade in strong sun, and use sun protection generously. Knowing your skin and checking it regularly helps you catch any change early.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Melanoma and pigmented lesions.
- British Association of Dermatologists.
Related symptoms
Tell us what you need. We'll route it to the right expert.
Request a proposal, book a scoping call, or speak to our team directly.