When to Get a Mole Checked and How to Make Sure Your Moles Aren’t Cancer

Not every mole on your body is a sign of cancer, but there are some moles that can indicate a skin cancer is growing. Moles are more likely to be linked to skin cancer if someone else in your family had a skin cancer that developed as a mole. Not using sunscreen and getting too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays may also increase the chances that a problem mole could develop and mean a skin cancer growth.

It is imperative that you understand when a mole is a possible sign of cancer and when it is something for you to be concerned about. This means knowing what to look for when you check your own moles. You should also have regular skin cancer screenings so a professional can check for problem moles, especially if you are high-risk.

When to Get A Mole Checked

You should check any new moles that develop on your body for indicators that they may be signs of cancer, and you should regularly examine your body (around once a month) if you have any relatives who have ever had skin cancer. Everyone should check their body periodically in order to make sure that no new moles have developed that could be a problem.

When you examine your body, focus on the areas of skin that are frequently exposed to the sunshine. This could include your chest, your arms, your hands, and your head. If you notice that you have developed new moles that are different from the other moles on your body, this could be a red flag to suggest that something may be wrong. A mole that is different in character is one that should be checked out by a dermatologist or skin cancer professional, especially if you have a family history of skin cancer.

There are other specific things that you need to look for when you check yourself for moles. There is an acronym, ABCDEs, which serves as a reminder of the different things to look for when you check the moles on your body.

The A stands for asymmetry. If half of a mole that is on your body does not match the other half of the mole, this could be a sign that the mole is a problem. 

The B stands for border. Blurred, irregular, or jagged edges of a mole can be a sign that the mole is a possible cancerous mole.

The C stands for color. A mole that has different shades of brown or tan, or that has shades of black, red, white, and blue can be an indicator of a problem.

Finally, D stands for diameter and E stands for evolving. A larger mole, which is bigger than the eraser on a pencil, is a mole that should be checked out. A mole that changes its shape, its color, its size, or anything else about its appearance should also be checked out.

Skin Care for Spring

Spring is a time of freshness and renewal. It is the perfect time to reflect on your skin care habits, revisit your goals, and set new goals. Here are some tips and ideas to help you update your skin care routine and look and feel years younger.

Clean, exfoliate, and moisturize

Are you regularly cleaning, exfoliating, and moisturizing? Create a skin care routine that is customized to your skin type.  A skin care routine is not a one size fits all process. People with dry skin should be careful not to over exfoliate or use harsh cleaners. You don’t want to strip your skin of its natural oils. If you have very oily skin you will want to pay careful attention to your moisturizer and moisturizing routine. Your dermatologist can help you define the right routine for your skin type and recommend the appropriate skin care products for you.

Sunscreen

You should be using sunscreen year round but if you have not been, springtime is a good time to get yourself reacquainted with wearing sunscreen regularly. Also remember that sunscreen has an expiration date so now is a good time to check those expiration dates and buy new sunscreen products if yours are outdated. Make sure to also buy lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF). The most effective sunscreen has an SPF of 30 or greater but any SPF is better than none.

Diet and exercise

What you eat and how you treat your body affects the health of your skin. It’s springtime so put on those walking shoes and dust off that yoga mat. Make a point to buy fresh produce, colorful fruits and vegetables, next time you go to the grocery store.

Regular skin exam

You hear it all the time and you have good intentions to visit your dermatologist for an annual skin exam but you keep falling short of the action. Use springtime as your annual reminder to schedule your routine skin exam with your dermatologist.  Your dermatologist can help you make the most out of your skin care routine. Most importantly your doctor can help you detect and treat any skin cancer or precancer early. Most skin cancers are curable if detected and treated early.

A healthy lifestyle will not only improve the quality of your life but it will show in the look and glow of your skin. Want to look years younger? Spring is as good a time as any to dedicate or rededicate yourself to a healthy skin care routine.

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