Checking the condition of the skin to ensure that it is healthy and keeping it protected from external agents, such as sun radiation through the use of sunscreen for children, is one of the main responsibilities of parents towards their children. And, as you might expect, this also includes constantly monitoring any potential brands. Specifically, moles, which should not be confused with other types of spots such as freckles, since they are something different.
Moles, as nevi are popularly known, are skin lesions that can appear flat or raised, and generally take on a brown color. However, this does not mean that they can also be the same tone as the skin, pink, bluish or grayish, as explained by the HM Nens Hospital. These occur when there is a concentration of melanocytes, the cells responsible for the production of melanin.
The genetic factor has a lot to do with the appearance of moles, although this can also be influenced by other conditions, such as sun exposure. In principle, moles do not pose any type of danger to people’s health, however, they have the potential to do so if they become melanoma. The development of this type of skin cancer is uncommon at an early age, being something that has a higher incidence during puberty, where it can manifest occasionally.
However, this does not mean that these skin lesions must be monitored to check whether or not they have shown changes. Since, if melanoma develops, it will be essential to identify it as soon as possible in order to undertake appropriate treatment.
Dermatologists are in charge of determining how often it is advisable to check children’s moles, since it will depend on the characteristics of each specific case, including possible family history. The general recommendation is approximately one review per year. However, at the slightest sign of identifying changes or signs that make you suspect that a mole may be dangerous, you should go to the dermatologist as soon as possible to clear up any doubts.
From HM Children’s Hospital they identify a series of changes that must alert parents so that they come with their children to check these moles.
