What Parents Need to Know About Moles in Children

Moles can be seen at birth, but most appear during childhood, increase in adolescence, and can continue to increase in number until about age 40 years. Most moles are harmless, and these benign moles can grow as the child grows. However, when moles change in certain ways, as described below, a skin specialist (dermatologist) should evaluate and possibly monitor them, as they might develop into a type of skin cancer called melanoma. In general, melanomas are rare in children and are treatable if found early.