*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Moles

Moles are small, coloured spots on the skin. Most people have them and they're usually nothing to worry about unless they change size, shape or colour.

Signs of harmless moles

It's normal for:

babies to be born with moles
new moles to appear - especially in children and teenagers
moles to fade or disappear as you get older
moles to get slightly darker during pregnancy

Signs a mole could be cancerous

Some moles can be a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

See a GP if:

you have a mole that's changed size, shape or colour
you have a mole that's painful or itchy
you have a mole that's inflamed, bleeding or crusty
you have a new or unusual mark on your skin that has not gone away after a few weeks

Finding a melanoma as early as possible can mean it's easier to treat

Treatments for moles

Moles only need treating if they're a sign of melanoma.

If the GP thinks your mole is melanoma, you'll be referred to a specialist in hospital. You should get an appointment within 2 weeks.

The main treatment for melanoma is surgery to remove the mole.

Cosmetic mole removal

Most moles are harmless. Harmless moles are not usually treated on the NHS.

You can pay a private clinic to remove a mole, but it may be expensive.

How to prevent cancerous moles

UV light from the sun can increase the chance of a mole becoming cancerous. If you have lots of moles, you need to be extra careful in the sun.

It's important to check your moles regularly for any changes.

There are some things you can do to protect your moles from sun damage, especially during hot weather.

Do

stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when sunlight is strongest
cover skin with clothes - wear a hat and sunglasses if you have moles on your face
regularly apply a high-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF30) and apply it again after swimming

Don't

do not use sunlamps or sunbeds - they use UV light

Find out more about sunscreen and sun safety

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.