Everything You Need To Know About Childhood Moles – You Are Parent

Moles in children, or, under the scientific name, melanocytic nevus, are small spots made up of several pigments that are usually circular or oval in shape.

They are present on any part of the body and in the different layers of the skin, from the epidermis to the subcutaneous tissue.

Moles should always be treated with great respect, knowing that they are benign tumors but that they deserve special attention. Therefore, you are asking yourself what care children’s moles deserve. We tell you everything.

Although the nevus or moles are more characteristic of Caucasian races and very white skin tones, all skin tones are candidates for the appearance of these spots on the skin.

For this reason, it is imperative that you know what they are, how to take care of them and what is the typology and shape of each.

What are moles in children?

As mentioned earlier, moles are actually benign tumors. In other words, alterations in the tissues that lead to the growth of nodules or a change in skin pigmentation.

All skin types and human populations have moles, even individuals with darker skin tones. However, it is true that people with white skin tend to have a higher number of moles on the skin.

On average, a person in adulthood can have 20 moles. In the case of children,   they have at least half of that number, which may increase or even disappear in the future.

The main features of moles in children

Moles are characterized by the fact that they are asymptomatic. In other words, they should not itch, burn or ooze. This is what mainly defines the moles that are called benign nevi.

Their second common characteristic is their color. They are usually brown in color, although they can vary from darker tones of this shade. They may also appear less frequently in red, also called blood moles, and blue.

In terms of their shape, it is usually circular or oval, but moles also appear smooth, uniquely in tone, very small in size – around 5mm – or large and wavy, a size close to 8 or 10 mm.

What is melanoma?

This part is very important because it is a term often associated with moles in children and adults. Melanoma refers to skin cancer, which is actually one of the most common pathologies in the world.

Their connection to moles is due to the fact that they are, in appearance, virtually comparable when they appear. However, they are later distinguished by their shape. Their color exhibits asymmetrical features, which usually does not happen with a healthy mole.

Can we limit the appearance of moles?

It is clear that depending on the type of skin there are children who are more likely to have and develop moles. However, it is also known from studies that frequent and prolonged exposure to sunlight can stimulate the appearance of moles.

In this case, we recommend that you protect children from the sun’s rays, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., always apply adequate protection to the skin and avoid exposing yourself to the sun for long periods of time.

With this action, you not only decrease by 5% the chances of appearance or growth of moles in children. In addition you also limit the appearance of freckles.

What types of moles can be removed?

Benign moles are asymptomatic. However, although they do not generate any physical discomfort, for many people they represent an aesthetic problem and visual discomfort. Therefore, they go to the dermatologist to have them removed.

When it comes to moles in children, it is recommended that you do not touch them unless they are annoying, itchy, sore, or turn red. In these cases, the doctor will examine them to determine what is the best treatment in that particular case.

To conclude, it is interesting to clarify that the term “lunar” literal translation from Spanish “lunar” to denote moles comes from an old popular belief that their appearance was related to the phases of the moon.

Now that you know its characteristics, you can pay attention to their appearance in your children.