Men, the Mo & the Mole - Dubai clinic Encourages Beard-area Mole Checks This Movember

Growing a ‘Mo’? This Movember, Athena Dermatology Clinic is encouraging men to book a dermatologist-led beard-area mole check focusing on the beard line, neck, ears and scalp, the spots most men miss. Checks take minutes, use dermoscopy (a magnified, light-assisted exam for better accuracy) and include a simple ABCDE(F) guide so you know when to book a full skin exam.

Dr Parul Thakur, dermatologist and co-founder of Athena Dermatology Clinic says: “Facial hair hides high-risk zones. If a mole is changing, looks odd compared with your others, or fails to heal, that’s your cue to see a dermatologist.”

Why it matters

• 331,700 people were diagnosed with melanoma in 2022 (GLOBOCAN). Early detection saves lives.

• In the UAE melanoma is uncommon but present about 31 new cases were estimated in 2022; vigilance still matters.

• CRUK projects 21,300 new melanoma cases in 2025, with 87% linked to UV overexposure. Men more often develop melanoma on the torso/head & neck areas facial hair and hairlines can hide.

• When caught early, 5-year survival is 99%. Prognosis is worse on the scalp if diagnosed late another reason to check hair-bearing areas.

ABCDE(F): the quick version

• Asymmetry

• Border irregular

• Colour change or multiple colours

• Diameter greater than ~6 mm or rapid growth

• Evolving in any way

• Funny-looking, Feels different, or Fails to heal

If any apply, book a dermatologist-led skin exam with dermoscopy (and mole mapping where appropriate).

Mo-ustache Skin Survival

• Wash with lukewarm water and a gentle, non-fragranced cleanser. Soften hairs with a warm compress for 1–2 minutes.

• Use a slick, fragrance-free shaving gel/cream (avoid menthol/eucalyptus).

• Use a sharp single blade or a guarded trimmer; don’t use blunt blades (they pull and raise bump risk). Clean/change regularly; disinfect trimmer guards.

• Shave/trim with the grain in short, light strokes. Avoid going against the grain or repeated passes over the same area. Don’t stretch the skin aggressively.

• Rinse with cool water, pat dry, and apply a fragrance-free moisturiser immediately.

• If bumps flare stop using fragrance-heavy products. Spot-treat individual bumps with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Don’t pick. If painful, recurrent or infected looking, see a dermatologist.

• Leave 24–48 hours between shaves on irritated areas; consider clippers at 1–2 mm instead of a close shave until calm.

Dr Akreti Sobti, dermatologist and co-founder of Athena Dermatology Clinic adds, “Small tweaks make a big difference a sharp blade, with-the-grain passes, and a simple, fragrance-free moisturiser straight after shaving.”