Common acquired nevi (moles) include junctional, dermal, and compound nevi, which are all considered benign. These distinctions are based upon the location of melanocytic nests in the epidermis, dermis, or both, respectively. Clinically, junctional nevi are flat (macular) whereas dermal and compound nevi are elevated relative to the surrounding skin (papular).
Nevi typically arise during childhood, adolescence, or very early adulthood and then senesce in later years. Compound nevi are more common in individuals with lighter skin phototypes; other forms of nevi (those on palms, soles, conjunctiva, and in the nail bed) are more common in individuals of African and Asian descent.
A mole (nevus) is a common skin lesion that is made up of the color-producing (pigment-producing) cells of the skin. A mole that is present at birth is referred to as a congenital nevus. A dysplastic nevus, which is discussed elsewhere, is a mole in which unusual (atypical) growth is noted. Moles (nevi, the plural of nevus) slowly enlarge evenly in all directions. After they stop growing (stabilize), they may persist or they may become smaller (regress) later in life. Sun exposure as well as family tendency (heredity) play a role in the development of moles. Moles may sometimes become inflamed or irritated by friction from rubbing or contact with rough clothing or by other types of injury.
Who’s At Risk
Moles may occur in people of all races and ages, but they most commonly appear between the ages of 10 and 30. Individuals with light skin color are most likely to develop moles.
Signs & Symptoms
Moles may occur anywhere on the body, including the nails, palms, and soles.
Moles may be raised or flat.
The color of moles may vary from pink to skin colored, to brown, but they may be darker in people with normally darker skin.
Non-cancerous (benign) moles are usually alike on both sides (symmetrical), have smooth borders and regular color, and they are generally smaller than the size of a pencil eraser (6 mm).
Self-Care Guidelines
Protective measures, such as avoiding skin exposure to sunlight during peak sun hours (10 AM to 3 PM), wearing protective clothing, and applying high-SPF sunscreen are essential for reducing exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) light.
Monthly self-examination of the skin is helpful to detect new lesions or changes in existing lesions. Be sure your child's moles are not signs of skin cancer (melanoma). Remember the ABCDEs of melanoma lesions: A - Asymmetry: One half of the lesion does not mirror the other half. B - Border: The borders are irregular or vague (indistinct). C - Color: More than one color may be noted within the mole. D - Diameter: Size greater than 6 mm (roughly the size of a pencil eraser) may be concerning. E - Evolving: Notable changes in the lesion over time are suspicious signs for skin cancer.
When to Seek Medical Care
People with multiple moles and unusual (atypical) moles should be examined by a dermatologist every 4–12 months depending on their past history and family history.
It may be difficult to tell an atypical mole from a normal mole, so seek medical evaluation for your child if you are unsure about the nature of a mole, if you note changes within a mole, or if a mole becomes irritated or painful.
Treatments
Non-cancerous (benign) moles do not require treatment, though they may be cosmetically removed.
If benign-appearing moles are inflamed or irritated, they can be surgically removed.
Patient Information for Common acquired nevus in Child