IT’S NOT JUST CHANGING MOLES YOU NEED TO WATCH...

IF YOU have moles with any of these signs (below), or all of them, see your GP and ask to be referred to a dermatologist. — Asymmetrical shape — Border is irregular — Colour isn’t uniform (i.e., two or more colours) — Diameter more than 6mm — Evolving in size, shape or colour

‘People should also be keeping an eye out for red, scaly areas or lumps, such as actinic keratosis, that could potentially spell trouble because of the risk of squamous cell carcinoma,’ adds consultant dermatologist Dr Anthony Bewley.

‘People often ignore bits of skin that become scaly or red or sore but this should be seen to, especially if it appears on highly sun-exposed areas such as the bridge of the nose, forehead, the shoulders in men or the lower legs in women.

‘Bald men tend to be very bad about checking their scalp — but this is such an important area to monitor. It’s not so easy without a partner to keep an eye on your scalp, so I often recommend people use their smartphone and take pictures.’