Baby Moles

Overview

Moles are relatively common in both kids and adults, but you may also sometimes see them on newborn babies or infants. Parents may think of these marks as birthmarks, but you will be able to differentiate them as you continue to read on. Baby moles can definitely be present at birth and can show up on any part of the body, including the face. Generally, there is nothing to worry about your little one’s mole if they appear normal.

If you want to know more about the moles that appear on your baby’s skin or some beauty marks here and there, then you have come to the right page. So, read on!

Baby moles – All you need to know

Moles or nevus or nevi are very easy to identify, so you will probably know one when you see one. They are primarily brown or darker in color but can also come as freckle-like with shades of red or pink. Moles can also be flat or raised, and some might even have hair on them. Newborn babies can have moles once they are born, but some can be acquired over time and may show up during the first year.

Moles can come in different types and can also be in a range of different sizes and colors, and they form in areas with more pigment cells compared to the rest of the skin. Generally, moles are not something to be concerned about but may need to be observed or treated if they can negatively affect your child’s physiological qualities and if there is a possibility of a health risk or a serious health condition.

Mole vs birthmark

Both moles and birthmarks are common among infants and even on newborn babies. You can notice them as marks, spots, or even as bumps on the skin. Birthmarks may appear at birth in the weeks after birth and may be due to the abnormal formation of pigment cells or blood vessels. On the other hand, moles can appear at birth or any time in your little one’s life as they continue to grow. It is nice to know that a mole can be a birthmark, yet not all birthmarks can be considered moles. Moles can sometimes be mistaken as freckles too.

Types of moles you can find on babies.

Moles can come in different types, and it will be a great idea if you become familiar with them.

Congenital moles

This type of moles can appear on the body at birth or a little while after birth. Congenital moles can vary in sizes, shape, and color. However, they are commonly tan, brown, or black; these moles typically have hair growth. According to studies, approximately one out of a hundred babies can have one or more congenital moles at birth.

Large congenital moles

They are also commonly referred to as giant congenital moles since they are larger in size than a typical mole. They can be measured at 7 inches or even more prominent than 15 inches, but these large congenital moles will not be that already big at birth. These type of moles can grow as your child grows too. Large moles can increase the risk of melanoma and other health conditions.

Acquired moles

Acquired moles can appear at birth and throughout your child’s life. This type of moles frequently occurs in areas that are more exposed to sunlight. Acquired moles are very common, and your little one can get many of them as they grow older. People with lighter or more fair skin can end up with an average of 30 to 40 moles in their lifetime.

Spitz nevus

Spitz nevus is a type of mole that can appear to be raised and round. They also appear in more colors other than brown and black. They can be pink, red, tan, light brown, and even a mixture of these colors. This type of mole can appear mostly in teenagers and older children.

When to have your baby’s mole checked

Moles are very common in children can generally pose no threat to their health and well-being. However, despite being generally harmless, it is still a good idea to look at your child’s mole and observe any unusual changes in size, color, and shape. As your precious little one grows, their moles will naturally get more significant, darken, lighten, and some may even disappear or fade. These changes are typical and expected and may not be a sign of melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that could start from a mole. Although melanoma can be sporadic in children, there are times when they still need to be checked just to be sure. In fact, when caught early, melanoma can be highly and easily treated.

Here are some characteristics to look at to help you decide if you should have your baby’s mole checked:

Changes in the mole

As mentioned above, changes in your child’s mole can be normal since they can grow at the same rate as your child; however, if the mole is changing too quickly and becomes too large over a short period of time. If you notice this to occur, you may want to have your child checked by your dermatologist.

Irregular shape and border

If you see a raised mole on your baby’s skin, you may want to look at its shape and borders as well. Raised moles or also referred to as spitz nevus, can appear in different colors other than brown or black. They can sometimes have rough surfaces and jagged borders, and sometimes these moles can also have different colors. If you notice that your child has raised moles with irregular or uneven and rough edges, you may want to have it checked with your dermatologist.

Bleeding mole

A raised or big mole can easily get caught up on different things such as a comb, button, or a zipper in your shirt. That is why they can be prone to bleeding or irritation. However, there are also instances where a mole bleeds for no apparent reason and may look like an open sore at times. If you notice this, your dermatologist may need to check and examine that mole.

Too many moles

If your child, even at a very early age, already has moles that are more than fifty, your child can be under a dermatologist’s care. Children who have too many moles can be prone to melanoma; that is why they should be frequently checked and examined.

Too large mole

The mole on your child’s skin should not be more significant than a pencil eraser; however, if your child has developed a mole that seems to be very big for his or her age, it would be best if you have it checked by your dermatologist.

Can you prevent moles?

Some moles are not congenital, which means that they can appear on your baby’s skin because of sun exposure. In general, younger babies six months old and younger should not be exposed to the sun. If you want to take them out, you should protect them using hats, umbrellas, lightweight blankets and clothing. You can also use a lotion or sunscreen made for children with an SPF of 15 or higher. Remember to avoid direct sunlight between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon, if possible.

Bottom line

We all know moles are a very common skin condition in children and even infants. They can have moles by the time they are born or develop them in the proceeding months or even years. Moles are typically harmless, but if they appear to be too large, irregularly shaped, and if they are bleeding, you must immediately consult your dermatologist.