Signs to Go for a Skin Exam
Regular skin exams are crucial for maintaining skin health and detecting potential skin issues early, including skin cancer. Identifying when it’s time for a skin exam can help prevent more serious conditions from developing. Here are some important signs that suggest you should schedule a skin exam with a dermatologist.
Changes in Moles or Skin Lesions
If you notice any changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of a mole or skin lesion, it’s important to seek a skin exam. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide for identifying concerning changes: Asymmetry, irregular Borders, changes in Color, Diameter larger than 6mm, and Evolution or changes over time.
Any of these signs could indicate skin cancer, particularly melanoma, and should be evaluated by a dermatologist as soon as possible.
New Growths on the Skin
The appearance of new growths, bumps, or lumps on your skin that don’t go away should be checked by a dermatologist. These growths could be harmless, such as cysts or benign skin tags, but they could also be signs of more serious conditions, like basal or squamous cell carcinoma.
Persistent Itching, Bleeding, or Pain
If a mole, spot, or patch of skin begins to itch, bleed, or become painful without any obvious cause, it’s a sign that something may be wrong. Persistent irritation or discomfort in the skin can be an early symptom of skin cancer or another skin condition that requires medical attention.
Rough or Scaly Patches
Rough, scaly patches of skin that persist even after moisturizing could be a sign of actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition caused by sun exposure. These patches can become cancerous if left untreated, so it’s important to have them evaluated by a dermatologist to determine whether treatment is necessary.
A Family History of Skin Cancer
If you have a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma, you’re at a higher risk of developing it yourself. In such cases, it’s recommended to have regular skin exams, even if you don’t notice any changes or issues with your skin. A dermatologist can help monitor your skin for any early signs of cancer and provide guidance on preventative measures.
Frequent Sun Exposure or Tanning
If you have a history of frequent sun exposure, sunburns, or use tanning beds, your risk of skin damage and skin cancer increases. In this case, it’s wise to schedule regular skin exams, as cumulative sun exposure can lead to skin cancer even years after the exposure occurred.
Non-Healing Sores
Sores, cuts, or wounds on your skin that take a long time to heal or don’t heal at all should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Non-healing sores can be a sign of basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, two common types of skin cancer that develop in areas exposed to the sun.
A Skin Exam as Part of Routine Health Maintenance
Even if you don’t notice any specific warning signs, it’s a good idea to have a skin exam as part of your routine health care, especially if you have fair skin, light hair, or light eyes, or if you live in an area with high sun exposure. Regular skin exams can help detect early skin changes that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.
