mole changes in children

Overview

A mole is a small, usually brown spot on the skin made of pigment-producing cells. In children, moles often appear and change as they grow. Most changes are completely normal, but a few changes may need a doctor's attention.

Yes. Moles are very common in children. About 1 in 100 children are born with a mole, and many more appear later.

Moles affect all children, but they are more numerous in children with fair skin or many freckles. Children with a family history of skin cancer may also have more moles.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A new mole appearing
• A mole that slowly grows as the child grows
• A mole that becomes slightly darker or lighter
• A mole that becomes raised or develops a hair

Symptoms in children

• Moles that are present from birth (congenital)
• Moles that appear in the first few years of life
• Moles that change slowly during growth spurts
• Moles that become more noticeable around puberty

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, new moles are less common and should be checked. For this article about children, the focus is on moles as a normal part of childhood.

Causes

Main causes

• Growth of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes)
• Genetics – moles often run in families
• Sun exposure, especially during childhood
• Hormonal changes during puberty

Risk factors

• Fair skin and light eyes
• Many moles or freckles
• History of sunburns before age 18
• Family history of mole changes or melanoma

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• A mole that bleeds, itches, or hurts
• A mole that changes quickly over a few weeks
• A mole that looks very different from the child's other moles

Book a routine appointment if:

• A new mole that has appeared after the age of 12 and is stable
• A mole that has been changing slowly over many months
• A mole that is simply large or has an unusual shape

Diagnosis

A doctor (usually a family doctor or a skin specialist called a dermatologist) will ask about your child's health and examine the mole with their eyes and a special magnifying device called a dermatoscope.

Tests that may be done

• Physical exam
• Dermatoscopy (using a hand-held lens with light)
• Skin biopsy (if the mole looks suspicious – a small sample is taken and looked at under a microscope)

What to expect at your appointment

The examination is simple and does not hurt. If a biopsy is needed, the skin is numbed first so your child feels little or no discomfort. Results usually take about two weeks.

Treatment

Treatment for moles in children is usually not needed. Most moles are harmless. A doctor may suggest watching a mole over time. Only moles that look unusual, cause symptoms, or come out of self-consciousness are removed.

Self-care at home

• Check your child's skin every few months and take photos of any mole you are worried about
• Use a high-protection sunscreen and reapply it often, especially if your child is outside
• Dress your child in a hat and long sleeves when the sun is strong

Medical treatments

If a mole is removed, the doctor will do a simple procedure with a numbing medicine. The mole is then cut out and sent to a lab for testing. There are no creams or patches that remove moles safely.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery to remove a mole is considered if the mole looks suspicious, bleeds, grows quickly, or is in a place that gets constantly irritated. Sometimes a child or parent asks for removal because of appearance, but doctors usually advise leaving harmless moles alone.

Living with this condition

You can help your child with a simple 'mole check' at home every month. Look at all areas of the skin, including the scalp, back, and soles of the feet. Keep a note or photo of moles that have changed.

Lifestyle tips

• Make sun protection a habit – sunscreen, hats, and shade
• Encourage your child to tell you if a mole bothers them
• Avoid using tanning beds (they are not safe for young skin)

Diet and exercise

There is no specific diet that prevents moles or mole changes. A healthy diet and regular exercise support your child's overall health and skin healing.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is natural to feel worried when you see a mole changing on your child. Most changes are normal. If you are anxious, talk to a doctor. Your child may also worry if a mole gets attention – explain that it is something to check, not to panic about.

Prevention

You cannot prevent moles from forming, but you can reduce the chance of existing moles becoming abnormal by protecting your child's skin from too much sun.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for moles.

Screening programmes

If your child has many moles or a family history of melanoma, your doctor may recommend regular skin checks, usually every 6 to 12 months.

Complications

If left untreated

• Very rarely, a changing mole in a child could be an early sign of skin cancer.
• Without monitoring, a mole that turns into cancer might not be seen early.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for children with moles is very good. Serious skin cancer in children is extremely rare. With regular checks and sun protection, most mole changes cause no health problems at all.

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