Mom, 33, issues warning after noticing ‘mosquito bite’ that turned out to be much more sinister.
July 23, 2025•3 min read
From “Just a Mosquito Bite” to Skin Cancer – This Mom’s Story is a Wake-Up Call
Summer brings sunshine, beach days—and yes, unfortunately, plenty of mosquito bites. But one mom’s recent TikTok PSA proves that not every itchy red spot is what it seems.
Rachel, a 33-year-old single mom, took to TikTok to share a shocking discovery: the small pink dot on her forehead that doctors initially brushed off as a bug bite turned out to be basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer.
Doctors thought it was a mosquito bite (Getty Stock Image)
“It was small, but it was painful,” Rachel explained. After her concerns were dismissed—partly because of her young age—she trusted her gut and got a second opinion. That decision may have saved her life.
She underwent a biopsy, and to her horror, it wasn’t a bite—it was cancer. The result? Six weeks of painful treatment and a healing wound that left what she calls a “burning hole” on her forehead.
Rachel’s mental and physical journey hasn’t been easy. But she’s now using her experience to raise awareness and urge others to pay attention to their skin.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and usually appears on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, scalp, and arms. But it can pop up anywhere—including places you wouldn’t expect. (American Cancer Society)
So what should you look out for?
New or unusual spots that don’t heal
Moles that change shape, color, or size
Bleeding or scabbing skin growths
Dark streaks under your nails
🌞 Protect Your Skin – It’s Easier Than You Think
Rachel’s main message? Wear SPF—every day. “With so many beauty products containing SPF now, there’s no excuse to go out and get burned,” she says.
Rachel is keen to raise awareness of the issues surrounding skin cancer (Getty Stock Images)
And she’s right. Whether you’re using a tinted moisturizer with SPF, or a high-factor sunscreen, make it part of your daily skincare routine.
Her goal is simple but powerful: “I hope this gruesome, gruesome area on my forehead is going to create some shock value so people are more careful in the sun.”
📌 Final Thoughts
Don’t wait until it’s too late. That “mosquito bite” might be something more. Rachel’s story is a heartfelt reminder to check your skin regularly, listen to your instincts, and always—always—wear your SPF.
Chandler Polski
Chandler Polski is a curious mind with a passion for untold stories, culture, and everything on the edge of viral. At ViralSensei, Chandler brings a fresh voice diving into what makes internet culture tick. (viralsensei.com)
