A skin condition or lesion that a cosmetologist suspects may be abnormal (such as a changing mole) should be:

A cosmetologist who notices a suspicious or abnormal skin lesion — for example, a mole that is changing in size, shape, or color — should refer the client to a physician, because diagnosing and treating skin conditions is outside the cosmetologist's legal scope of practice. Cosmetologists are trained to recognize that something looks unusual and to refer, not to diagnose or treat. Performing services over suspicious lesions or attempting to treat them is inappropriate and potentially harmful. Knowing the limits of scope and when to refer is essential.