Earlier, there wasMum needs helpMore and more marks are appearing on the child... on their hands, feet, face, even two on their lips. What could be going on? Many parents are keen to know the answer, so let's ask paediatrician Dr. Chan Yan Wing to help us with this mystery!
Many parents notice that as their children grow, more and more moles appear on their skin... Many parents worry greatly, asking if there's a health problem with their child? They often search online and mention that having many moles is sometimes associated with "skin cancer" and "melanoma" – is this true?! In fact, from a doctor's perspective, moles are very normal, especially during childhood and adolescence when they are very common!
A：That's ink.
Moles are actually melanocytes, or pigment cells, in the skin grouping together, allowing the pigment to be visible to the naked eye on the skin's surface. They can appear in different places on the body. Some children are born with a large mole, while others may gradually develop them in different areas as they grow.
Why did children used to have little ink, but now there is more and more?
As children are in a growth phase, and moles are most common during adolescence, this is a normal phenomenon. The average person will have approximately 12-20 moles from childhood to adulthood.
How to check if ink is normal?
Most moles that appear before the age of 25 are normal, benign moles. I believe parents are most concerned that moles may develop into melanoma, which we call a malignant cancerous tumour, but this situation is actually very rare in children.
So how can we tell if a mole is normal or if it has the potential to worsen?
You can judge from the following factors:
- Colour
Is the colour even? Will some be particularly dark and some particularly light? - Border
Is the border smooth? Will it be jagged? - Shape & Surface
Will it warp? Are there any bumps or unevenness on the surface? - Sense
Normal ink should be unfelt. If you experience numbness or pain, or even bleeding, it's not a good sign.
How many moles are abnormal?
Earlier, it was mentioned that people generally have 12-20 moles from childhood to adulthood, but some people are exceptions and are born with many moles. A study in Australia once indicated that for teenagers aged 15-19 who had skin cancer or melanoma, more than half of them had over 100 moles on their bodies. While this result doesn't mean that having 100 or more moles necessitates worrying about skin cancer or melanoma, if the number is particularly excessive, it's important to pay extra attention or it would be best to have it closely monitored by a doctor.
A：有無需要特別留意嘅生墨位置？
If moles appear in sun-exposed areas, such as on the skin of the head or neck, it may also increase the risk of developing cancer, but this is not absolute. Dr. Chan Yan-wing specifically reminds everyone: "This does not mean that every mole on your scalp is a cause for concern!"
A: How to handle ink
Dear parents, if you are genuinely concerned, you can choose to have it tested, or even opt for removal. However, if you have any doubts, it is best to consult a doctor. Let the doctor follow up and determine if treatment is truly necessary. If it's just a benign mole, there's no need to worry!
Acknowledgements: Paediatric Specialist Dr. Chan Yan Wing
Image rights: Maji and Le's Life Log
