Normal nevi (moles) are usually light brown and regular in color and shape. Nevi (moles) are made up of "nests" of pigment-producing cells in the skin. This image displays the brown color typical of nevi. This image displays a normal nevus (mole).
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Mole (Nevus)  A parent's guide for infants and babies

Picture of Mole (Nevus): Normal nevi (moles) are usually light brown and regular in color and shape. Divider line
Normal nevi (moles) are usually light brown and regular in color and shape.
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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 moles are not signs of skin cancer (melanoma) by remembering 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 infant 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.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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