There are a few skin changes that you should never ignore, even in children. Take your son or daughter to a dermatologist right away if you see any of these:

• Changing mole: A mole that grows, changes color or bleeds warrants an immediate call to a dermatologist. Although skin cancers in children are rare, they do occur.

• Fever with blisters or a rash: Several types of problems can cause these symptoms.

• Skin infection: If a cut or scratch is red, feels warm and shows yellow pus -- especially if your child complains of pain -- it likely is infected.

• Reddish birthmark: A large, reddish birthmark in the midline of the face, or that gets in the way of a child's vision, should be checked out.

• Large brown birthmark: If your child has a brown birthmark larger than a quarter, you should get baseline pictures from a dermatologist so that any future changes can be compared with that photo.

• Dry, itchy skin: When behind the knees and in the bend of the arm, dry, itchy skin can be a symptom of eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis.

• Dry, white scales in the scalp: These may be caused by dandruff, reaction to chemicals in shampoos, lice or fungal infections.

• Whitish pinpoint-size bumps with a central concavity or depressed area: These are often a virus known as molluscum contagiosum. They aren't dangerous but are difficult to get rid of and are very contagious.

• Acne: Seeing a dermatologist early can prevent acne scarring and the self-esteem issues that acne can cause in adolescents.

To find a dermatologist in your area visit www.aad.org.

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