Birthmark on the child
In children it is particularly important to differentiate precisely whether the entire skin is itchy and/or painful or only the birthmark is directly irritated. This distinction is not always easy to make. Especially in smaller children, who cannot yet express themselves precisely enough, the localization of the pain often remains vague.
In principle, friction can also be an impulse for the child to scratch. One should therefore observe the child’s behaviour and the situations in which itching occurs as closely as possible. The child (like adults, of course) should try not to scratch if possible to avoid further irritation.
A dermatologist can then decide whether in the individual case there is a skin disease that needs to be treated or whether there is even a suspected tumor. The latter is extremely rare in children, however. In most cases, degenerative skin changes only occur with increasing age.
More frequent causes of itchy spots in children are eczema or an allergic reaction of the skin, which was previously unknown. To combat acute itching, it helps to wash the child with soaps that are as pH-neutral as possible and to use moisturizing body lotions with as few artificial ingredients as possible, since children’s skin is still particularly sensitive and additives of all kinds can be considered contact allergens. Every pregnancy is accompanied by major hormonal changes in the mother-to-be’s body.
In the course of these changes, it is possible that under certain circumstances there is an increased formation of new moles. In the first place, this is neither dangerous nor worrying; these are normal, acquired birthmarks. In order to protect oneself in the following from malignant pre-stages and the like associated with skin cancer, the newly formed moles should be protected from direct sunlight as well as others that have been present for a longer period of time, and visits to solariums should be avoided. However, on average more benign moles change during the period of pregnancy towards malignant precancerous stages or types. Pregnant women should therefore be attentive, observe their moles and consult a dermatologist without delay in case of signs such as itching, changes in shape or pain.
