A quick look at a common nail condition you've never heard of
If you've ever had a hangnail, you know how irritating they are. Hangnails can be painful and getting rid of them is an exercise in trying to avoid an infection.
Have you noticed that your kid has a few more moles than usual? That's not surprising, as many kids will develop them after spending time in the sun. But what should parents do if they discover unusual moles?
Keeping an eye on your child’s moles is important. When you notice any changes to their skin, like the appearance of new moles or a change in size/shape of those moles, that could be an early sign of something serious.
There are a variety of moles that can occur during childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. They are the size of or smaller than a pencil eraser, and can develop anywhere on the body. Moles will often get bigger with age or change in coloration over time, and some moles may even sprout hair!
Fair-skinned people are more likely than others to develop moles, so it is important for them to monitor their regular moles and know the difference between normal and abnormal.
When examining your child’s moles, there are a few signs you should look out for. If it pops up and is smaller than a pencil eraser- no problem! But if the size gets bigger or suspicious-looking in any way then take notice, because this could be something serious that needs examination immediately.
Some other signs of potentially malignant moles are asymmetrical shape, jagged edges, and uneven or strange color. Any one of these is worth getting checked out!
Be a good example! Wear protective clothing while in the sun, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on top. You should wear hats during bright times so they can learn how to protect their skin from harmful rays as well!
Keep a careful eye on your child’s moles. If you are concerned, take pictures of them and keep track of the changes from week to week!
Contact your dermatologist. If you spot something that doesn't look right, don’t be shy about contacting your dermatologist. If your child starts to complain that the mole is hurting or you see it grow in size, then it could very likely mean there's an issue with it and needs to be taken care of immediately!
Do you have questions? Would you like to schedule an examination for your child? Here at City Derm, we’re dedicated to creating a comfortable environment that will keep kids comfortable while providing them the best possible care. We offer comprehensive dermatological examinations for all ages and conditions, so please call today!
