Mole On Child’s Face: 5 Signs You Need To Get It Checked

Moles are growths on the skin that can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups and are usually brown or black. These can occur when cells in the skin grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin. These cells are called melanocytes and make the pigment that gives skin its natural colour.

Moles in children are common and might darken after exposure to the sun and during the teen years. As your child grows, the moles will naturally get bigger and they might develop melanoma, a type of skin cancer which is rare. If diagnosed early, it is treatable. Here are some of the signs to check your child’s mole.

5 Signs You Need To Get Your Child’s Mole Checked

1. Changing mole: Although it is normal for a child’s mole to grow and get darker or lighter, you should pay attention if the mole is growing too quickly or looks different from others as it might be a sign of melanoma.

It is advisable to consult a dermatologist as he/she will examine the mole on the child’s skin that is growing or changing quickly.

2. A mole that is dome-shaped: A mole that is dome-shaped and has a jagged border should be a cause of concern.

If you see a raised, round growth on the skin that is red, tan, pink, or brown and has a jagged border or different colours, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.

3. Bleeding mole: If a raised mole gets irritated and bleeds without reason, it should be checked.

A mole that looks like an open sore can also be a cause of concern as bleeding or a break in the mole can be a sign of melanoma.

4. Many moles: Although it is normal for a child to get new moles, some children having lots of moles can get melanoma early in life. According to a study by the American Academy of Dermatology, it has been found that half of the children with melanoma had at least 100 moles.

Therefore, if your child has been developing too many moles, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.

5. Large moles: Having a large or giant mole might also increase the child’s risk of developing melanoma and other health problems. Large moles that are round, oval and seven or more inches in diameter can be dangerous. It can cover part of your child’s body. 

Usually, children with these types of moles are born with them. 

A dermatologist will do a biopsy by cutting or shaving out the entire spot for evaluating it under a microscope. If the mole is found to be cancerous, the dermatologist will cut out the area of the skin, stitch the wound to close it and proceed accordingly.

Also Read: Infantile Hemangioma: A Birthmark Or A Tumor?

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