Moles in Children: Care Instructions
Overview
Moles are skin growths made up of cells that produce color (pigment). A mole can appear anywhere on the skin,
alone or in groups. Most people get a few moles during their first 20 years of life. They are usually brown in
color but can be blue, black, or flesh-colored. Most moles are harmless and do not cause pain or other
symptoms, unless you rub them or they bump against something.
A child usually does not need treatment for moles. But some can turn into cancer. Talk to your doctor if your
child has a mole that bleeds, itches, burns, or changes size or color. Also let the doctor know when your
child gets a new mole. Make sure your child wears sunscreen and other sun protection every day to help prevent
skin cancer.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all
appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your
child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
How can you care for your child at home?
Help your child prevent skin cancer
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Always use sunscreen on exposed skin. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a sun
protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
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Keep babies younger than 6 months out of the sun. If you cannot avoid the sun, use hats and clothing to
protect your child's skin.
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Have your child wear a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves and pants if he or she is going to be outdoors
for very long.
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Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is the peak time for the sun's ultraviolet rays.
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Avoid sunburns, tanning booths and sunlamps. Sunburns in childhood damage the skin and increase the risk
of cancer.
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If you see a change in a skin growth, contact your doctor. Look for:
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A mole that bleeds, itches, burns, or changes shape or color.
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A fast-growing mole.
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A scaly or crusted growth on the skin.
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A sore that will not heal.
When should you call for help?
Watch closely
for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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A mole looks different than it did before. It may have changed in size, color, shape, or the way
it looks.
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Current as of: November 16, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your
healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask
your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of
this information.