Moles, Milia And Skin Tags

Moles can appear anywhere on the skin and can be either alone or in groups. Most moles appear in early childhood and can increase during the first 30 years of life. It is normal to have between 10 – 30 moles by adulthood. With age, some moles may not change while some moles can change slowly, becoming raised and/or changing colour. Most moles are usually nothing to worry about unless they change size, shape or colour.

The vast majority of moles are benign (non-cancerous) and simply embarrassing, unsightly and a cosmetic nuisance for the person who suffers from them. They are also not eligible for treatment by your GP or on the NHS.

The appearance of a new mole or a change in size, shape or colour of an existing mole could be an indication of Melanoma and you would need to visit your GP to have this looked at. Around seven out of 10 (70%) of all melanomas in the UK are superficial spreading melanomas. They're more common in people with pale skin and freckles, and much less common in darker skinned people.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is thought to cause most melanomas, but there's evidence to suggest that some may result from sunbed exposure. The type of sun exposure that causes melanoma is sudden intense exposure.

Certain things can increase your chances of developing melanoma, such as having:

• lots of moles or freckles
• pale skin that burns easily
• red or blonde hair
• a close family member who's had a melanoma

Milia are very small, raised, pearly-white or yellowish bumps on the skin. They are most often seen on the skin around the cheeks, nose, eyes and eyelids, forehead and chest. However, they can occur anywhere on the body. They develop when skin flakes become trapped under the surface of the skin or when keratin builds up and gets trapped. Milia most often occur in newborn babies however adults can also be affected. Milia are harmless however those who suffer often choose to have them removed as they can make you feel self-conscious and applying make up can be more difficult.

Skin Tags are very common and mostly occur around the face, neck, armpits, groin and abdomen. Skin tags are small, soft, skin-coloured growths that hang off the skin and look a bit like warts. Skin tags are made of loose collagen fibres and blood vessels surrounded by skin. Both men and women can develop skin tags. They tend to occur in older people and people who are obese or have type 2 diabetes. Pregnant women may also be more likely to develop skin tags as a result of changes in their hormone levels. Skin tag removal is very quick and easy. It is not painful and no stitches are required.