Two schedules. The self-check: monthly, whole body, good light - hunting change via ABCDE: Asymmetry, irregular Border, multiple Colors, growing Diameter, Evolving (the one weighted most). The professional check: whenever the self-check flags something - the NHS lists change in size, shape, or color; pain or itch; inflammation, bleeding, or crusting; or a new mark persisting past a few weeks.
Some people skip the flag-waiting and keep a standing dermatology schedule: personal or family melanoma history, many moles, fair skin with heavy sun exposure, or a suppressed immune system. Photograph anything you are watching with a coin for scale - measured change beats remembered change. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you run the check.
What to do
Common questions
When should I get my moles checked?
Mole checking runs on two schedules. The self-check: monthly, whole body, good light, mirrors or a partner for the back and scalp - you are looking for change, and MedlinePlus's ABCDE rule names it: Asymmetry (one half unlike the other), Border (irregular or ragged), Color (multiple shades), Diameter (growing, typically past about 6mm), and Evolving - any change at all, the letter dermatologists weight most. The professional check: book it when the self-check flags something. The NHS's see-a-doctor list: a mole that has changed in size, shape, or color; one that is painful or itchy; one that is inflamed, bleeding, or crusty; or any new or unusual skin mark that has not gone away after a few weeks. Some people should have a standing professional schedule rather than waiting for flags: a personal or family history of melanoma, a large number of moles, fair skin with heavy sun history, or a suppressed immune system - those earn regular dermatology visits. The habit that makes self-checks work: photograph anything you are watching with a coin for scale - measured change beats remembered change, and the photo makes the appointment more useful. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you run the ABCDE check on what you are seeing.