Why you need to check your child's moles

Dermatologist Karyn Grossman, MD, shares advice for parents on why it is important to have your children's moles checked, and at what age you should begin having your child's moles checked
Mole Check For Kids- The Importance Of Checking Your Child's Moles
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Why you need to check your child's moles

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All children with moles should get a baseline evaluation by a dermatologist around age 6-7. At that point, the dermatologist will look at their moles, they may take photos of their moles, or map their moles. And they will determine based upon the quantity, size, shape and family history of skin cancer how often that child needs to be followed. It is important also, at that point, that the parents become active in checking their children. Any mole that changes, anything; size, shape, color, sensation, then needs to be brought back to the dermatologist at a sooner interval, during that period of time. I tell my patients that a change, anything at all that is different. If it's not exactly the way it was before, then you need to come back in. Melanoma is one of the few significant and serious skin cancers that are on the rise, so it is important to get those baselines developed early, photos taken and good habits started.

Dermatologist Karyn Grossman, MD, shares advice for parents on why it is important to have your children's moles checked, and at what age you should begin having your child's moles checked

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Karyn Grossman, MD

Dermatologist

Karyn Grossman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology in Santa Monica, CA and New York City. Her offices are "home" to thousands of elite patients with the highest of standards. Dr. Grossman attended a highly competitive, accelerated six-year premedical and medical program at Boston University and completed her residency and fellowship at Harvard University. Dr. Grossman has been featured in many broadcast and print media outlets to provide consumers expert information on cosmetic procedures, skin care and sun protection. Some television appearances include The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The View, MSNBC, CNBC, Fox News, the Martha Stewart Show, and The Doctors. She has been listed as one of the top cosmetic surgeons by Town & Country, Vogue, C Magazine, More Magazine, The New York Times, and L.A. Confidential. 

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Transcription: 
All children with moles should get a baseline evaluation by a dermatologist around age 6-7. At that point, the dermatologist will look at their moles, they may take photos of their moles, or map their moles. And they will determine based upon the quantity, size, shape and family history of skin cancer how often that child needs to be followed. It is important also, at that point, that the parents become active in checking their children. Any mole that changes, anything; size, shape, color, sensation, then needs to be brought back to the dermatologist at a sooner interval, during that period of time. I tell my patients that a change, anything at all that is different. If it's not exactly the way it was before, then you need to come back in. Melanoma is one of the few significant and serious skin cancers that are on the rise, so it is important to get those baselines developed early, photos taken and good habits started.