Moles on young children are typically no cause for alarm; however, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them.
 
A mole is also called a nevi. It is a spot on the skin that is ether flat or raised, small or large, with different colours and different shapes. Moles can either develop or they can exist at birth.
 
Moles are responsible for 50 percent the skin cancer melanoma. In toddlers however, melanoma is very rare. In fact, melanoma normally will not appear until the teen years.
 
Certain moles can be more dangerous. Congenital moles, or moles that a person is born with, have a higher chance of developing melanoma and should be monitored. Moles that are large and irregular shaped with uneven colours and uneven borders are also more susceptible to developing melanoma.
 
If your child has moles, have your doctor check and monitor them. You should also monitor the moles for changes. Here is a great way to remember what to look for. It’s called the ABCDs.
 
A – Asymmetry… is the mole symmetrical? Or is one side completely different shaped?
B – Border… does the border look notched, or ragged?
C – Colour… Does the mole have more than one colour?
D – Diameter…Is the mole larger than 6 mm?
 
If any of these conditions exist, contact the doctor to have the most examined. Additionally, if your child tells you that a mole itches or that it has gotten bigger have the doctor take a look at it.
Moles on children usually do not have to be removed, but if your child has a mole that is located in a place where it is being irritated by clothing, you may want to talk to a dermatologist about removing it.
 
You should also limit the amount of time your child is in the sun and use sunscreen. Sun exposure will increase the amount of moles and it can darken existing moles.

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