Fortunately, melanoma in children is very rare, but for the examination of moles, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends the ABCDE rule, outlining warning signs of melanoma:
- Asymmetry: One half does not match the other half
- Border irregularity: The edges are ragged or blurred
- Colour: The pigmentation is not uniform. Different shades of tan, brown, or black are often present
- Diameter: Melanomas usually are greater than 6mm in diameter when diagnosed, but they can be smaller
- Evolving: A mole or skin lesion looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or colour
Every mole that seems dubious should be examined by a dermatologist – it’s a non-invasive, painless procedure that only takes a couple of minutes.
The development of moles in children is directly related to sun exposure, especially sunburn. Sun protection such as wearing clothes, hats and sunscreen and avoiding the sun during peak hours may seem uncomfortable at first, but these measures greatly reduce the risk of skin cancer later in life.
Our advisor is Dr. Thomas G. Berger, associate professor of dermatology, allergy and cosmetic dermatology at Al Rawdah German Medical Center. For more information, visit www.argmc-uae.com or call 02 6520 200.
