Don’t Skip Skin Exams: A Simple Way to Stay Safe - Newport Paper House

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Don’t Skip Skin Exams: A Simple Way to Stay Safe

Can you name the largest organ of the body?

Certainly, it’s skin, which you always pay attention to. It actually needs your care and pampering. Considering the need and attention required, many cosmeceutical companies come up with valuable offerings like sunscreen and moisturising creams or lotions. It’s absolutely ok to use these cosmetic products, and it’s more beneficial if you follow the prescription of your skin specialist.

But one thing that is free of cost is a regular skin examination. Yes, it’s necessary to recognise some early signs of potential problems. This practice helps in preventing some more serious concerns like skin cancer. So! What is this skin examination?

Let’s introduce you to its answer.

What is a skin exam?

A thorough examination or inspection of your skin to spot unusual changes (if they emerge) is a skin exam. Having moles is absolutely common. But, changing in its shape, size, and colour is abnormal. Though it might be a minor or insignificant change, this examination can swiftly help you recognise some dreadful skin concerns, such as skin cancer.

The bad thing that comes out of this examination is the result, which reveals that you are suffering. But the most joyous point is that you have learnt about its suffering early, and now, you can undergo its treatment. Suppose it's a form of skin cancer, such as melanoma. You can get it recovered successfully because it has been detected before elevating to an untreatable stage.

In a nutshell, self-examination of your skin at home is basically a must-do. You can practice it daily.  And if there emerges anything suspicious, seek professional support and do not hesitate to or avoid in-depth examination. These are dermatologists who are trained in spotting what untrained eyes may miss. Additionally, their valuable professional advice shows how to monitor your skin for changes.

Why You Shouldn't Skip Skin Exams

·         Early Detection of Skin Cancer

Fear can be true. Skin cancer is a frightening fear, which is extremely common in the United States. But if it’s detected early, it becomes treatable. The American Academy of Dermatology states that 1 in 5 Americans is going to be a cancer patient while reaching 70 years of age.  And if it is detected in time, the chances of survival maximize. If it’s melanoma, for example the survival rate becomes 99%. On the contrary, if it is diagnosed later, the chances sink significantly.

Self-screening helps in the early detection of this severe skin cancer with basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. In many cases, this skin condition can be treatable if the ailing part is surgically removed. Besides, non-invasive treatments can be useful provided you go for skin screening on a regular basis.

·         Monitoring Existing Moles or Spots

Regular self-screening can bring any existing or new moles or spots into the limelight. By monitoring them, you can notice the changes quickly. This monitoring can be a smooth journey if you know this ABCDE rule of examining moles.

1.       A is for asymmetry, which can be understood as noticeable changes in its shape, size, colour, etc.  

2.       B represents border, which can be a problem if it is irregular and poorly defined.

3.       C stands for colour, which points at the problem if moles gradually change their appearance or become uneven in colour (darker or fader).

4.       D is the diameter. If your moles appear larger than a pencil eraser (about 6 mm), it can be a problem.

5.       E means evolving the change in its size, shape, and colour. Even the appearance of your moles can be different, indicating a severe skin condition.

All in all, regular skin cancer screening is a necessity that can highlight suspicious warning signs of skin cancer. Once detected, the scope for survival is great.

·         Peace of Mind

Skin screening can keep you satisfied. However, the detection can be dreadful. Regular checkups won’t allow anxiety to oppress you because you’re actively monitoring it. This signifies the role of self-assessment.

·         Identifying Other Skin Conditions

Skin cancer is not the only concern behind its monitoring. It can help in discovering a range of other common skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. If these are detected earlier, their treatment can prevent them from becoming untreatable or worse.

·         Preventing the Spread of Skin Cancer

When the skin check reports that it’s a cancer, it might be localised at that time. This means that it is not spread to other parts of the body. But if the treatment is not provided, it can spread and complicate the procedure.

How Often Should You Have a Skin Exam?

Like skin checks, the frequency of this screening is important. Many factors indicate that you should go for regular skin checks, which can be fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, and frequent sun exposure. These high-risk factors indicate doctors to recommend more frequent full-body skin checks. People with lower risk, once a year examination might be good enough. Generally, a full-body skin examination must go on at least once a year, especially after 30 years of age.

Additionally, vigilance is vital when you are screening by yourself at home. A monthly screening can be helpful in discovering any specific changes in your surface. So, mirror yourself and examine from head to toe. Closely monitor every mole, blemish, or spot.  

Simple Steps for a Self-Exam

Talking about self-assessment does not mean that you know how  to do it. Though you may have the idea, it should go this way:

·         Find a well-lit area: See your skin for changes in good lighting.

·         Use a mirror: You need a full-length mirror to thoroughly examine your back, arms, and legs.

·         Examine your skin: Closely assess if there appears to be any change, new growth, or irregularity in your moles or skin spots. Skin means the surface from head to toe. So, don’t forget your scalp, palms, and soles of your feet.

·         Record your findings: If any tag, mole, or spot appears new or different, immediately consult with a dermatologist.

The Power of Prevention

Protection is prevention. One thing that you can try every day is applying sun protection on your surface. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Besides, avoid exposing skin, which avoids tanning also. Do not go to tanning beds. Apart from these, seriously screen your surface to get rid of potential challenges.

Conclusion

Skin checkups are effective ways to keep your skin protected and healthy. Regular screening can help in catching severe problems like cancer early. This hasty detection saves your life.

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