'How to get your abnormal moles checked quickly if the GP wait is too long'

The internet is awash with tips, tricks and hacks to fix minor medical problems. But how much of it is accurate and can be trusted? In an age of misinformation and social media ‘experts’, it is always better to ask someone who is in the know about your health woes.

Each week, Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson will answer our readers’ questions on everything from insomnia and skin complaints to trapped wind and toilet troubles. This week, Claire has advice on how to get a worrying mole checked…

Q. I've got a mole that needs looking at but it's a two week wait to see my GP. Can I go to a pharmacy instead?

A. Moles are small, pigmented lesions on the skin. Most people have them and they're usually nothing to worry about. However, if you’re ever unsure or if you notice your mole has changed shape, size or colour, or if it’s painful or inflamed, you should visit your GP. Also, if you notice a new or unusual mark on your skin that has not gone away after a few weeks, you should speak to a healthcare professional.

Alternatively, Boots offers the Mole Scanning Service* in selected stores nationwide. The service is operated by ScreenCancer and it provides an assessment of moles and pigmented lesions.

Patients can book an appointment via the Boots Health Hub or in-store. As part of the Mole Scanning Service at Boots, a scan will be taken of the mole(s) or pigmented lesion(s), and the scan will then be analysed by a ScreenCancer Dermatology Specialist for any signs that might be suspicious of skin cancer, including melanoma.

The service doesn’t provide a diagnosis of skin cancer, however if the analysis of the scan shows that a patient’s mole(s) or pigmented lesion(s) require monitoring or further investigation, a ScreenCancer Dermatology Nurse or Healthcare Advisor will be in contact with the customer to discuss the next steps.

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Depending on the situation, this could include requesting that the patient keeps an eye on their mole(s) or lesion(s) and report any changes to their GP or inviting them back into a Boots store for a repeat scan in 3 to 4 months. If further investigation is required, a ScreenCancer Dermatology Nurse or Healthcare Advisor will advise the patient to visit their GP.

UV light from the sun can increase the chance of a mole becoming cancerous. If you have lots of moles, you need to take particular care in the sun, especially in the summer months when the UV rays are stronger. It's also important to check your moles regularly for any changes.

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There are some things you can do to protect your moles from sun damage. These include staying in the shade between 11am and 3pm when sunlight is strongest, covering skin with clothes (wear a hat and sunglasses if you have moles on your face) and regularly applying a high-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF30 and a high UVA rating) – make sure to apply it again after sweating or swimming. For more information on sun safety or the Mole Scanning Service at Boots, visit Boots Health Hub.

* Eligibility criteria and charges apply. In selected pharmacies, subject to availability. The Mole Scanning Service is operated by ScreenCancer - the fee that you pay is paid to ScreenCancer.