Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, and it can occur in anyone regardless of age. However, early detection of skin cancer in children is crucial to ensure timely treatment and prevent its spreading.

The key to detecting skin cancer in children is to look for any unusual changes in the skin that do not heal or go away within a period. Here we explore some warning signs of skin cancer in children that you should watch out for.

Sunburned or Sensitive Skin

If your child gets sunburned frequently or has sensitive skin, it could be an early warning sign of skin cancer. This is because sunburns damage the DNA in skin cells and cause long-term damage that can eventually lead to skin cancer.

If your child has fair skin, freckles, or light hair, they are at a higher risk of skin cancer.

Moles or Birthmarks

Unusual moles or birthmarks can increase the risk of skin cancer in children. Any mole that changes color, shape, or size can be a warning sign of skin cancer.

Birthmarks that are large or irregularly shaped can also be a warning sign of melanoma, which is a rare but dangerous form of skin cancer.

Scaly or Crusted Spots

Scaly or crusted spots on the skin that do not heal or go away can be warning signs of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that develops on the surface of the skin.

This type of skin cancer can occur in areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and hands.

Bumps or Pimples

Bumps or pimples on the skin that do not heal or go away can be a warning sign of basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that starts in the basal cells, which are located in the lower part of the skin.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer in children, and it can occur anywhere on the body.

Sores that Do Not Heal

Sores that do not heal or go away can be a warning sign of skin cancer in children. These sores may bleed or ooze, and they may develop a crust or scab that does not heal.

These sores can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the face, neck, and hands.

Sudden Changes in Skin Texture

Any sudden changes in the texture of the skin, such as thickening, roughening, or scaliness, can be a warning sign of skin cancer in children. These changes can occur anywhere on the body and may be accompanied by itching or discomfort.

Red or Pink Bumps

Red or pink bumps on the skin that do not go away or heal can be a warning sign of skin cancer in children. These bumps may be accompanied by itching or discomfort, and they may bleed or ooze.

Pain or Discomfort

If your child complains of pain or discomfort in their skin, it could be a warning sign of skin cancer. This pain or discomfort may be accompanied by redness or swelling, and it may occur anywhere on the body.

Lumps or Swelling

Lumps or swelling on the skin that do not go away or heal can be a warning sign of skin cancer in children. These lumps or swelling may be accompanied by redness or tenderness, and they may occur anywhere on the body.

Changes in Nail Color or Texture

Changes in the color or texture of the nails can be a warning sign of skin cancer in children. These changes may include dark or black stripes on the nail, a bump or growth under the nail, or a change in the texture of the nail.

Early detection of skin cancer in children is crucial for effective treatment and a good prognosis. If you notice any of these warning signs in your child’s skin, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.