Your skin does a lot for you every day. It protects your body from germs, helps control your body temperature, and lets you feel the world around you.
Taking care of your skin helps keep your whole body healthy. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a big difference.
Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer. Healthcare providers often use the ABCDE rule to help spot warning signs.
A – Asymmetry
One half of a mole or spot does not match the other half.
B – Border
The edges look uneven, blurred, or irregular.
C – Color
The spot has more than one color, such as brown, black, red, or white.
D – Diameter
The spot is larger than a pencil eraser.
E – Evolving
The mole or spot changes in size, shape, or color.
If you notice a spot that looks new, unusual, or changing, it’s important to have it checked.
Skin problems are common. Some are mild, like dryness or irritation. Others can become more serious if they are not treated early.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The good news is that when it is found early, it can often be treated successfully.
Paying attention to your skin and protecting it from the sun can help lower your risk.
Healthy habits can help protect your skin every day.
Wear sunscreen
Choose sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it to exposed skin.
Seek shade
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Wear protective clothing
Hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves can help protect your skin.
Avoid tanning beds
They increase the risk of skin cancer and skin damage.
A healthcare provider can help check your skin for signs of skin cancer or other concerns.
You may benefit from a skin exam if you:
If you have a higher risk, your provider may recommend regular skin exams to monitor your skin health.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice:
A mole or spot that changes in size, shape, or color
A sore that does not heal
A new growth that looks unusual
Skin that bleeds, itches, or hurts
Your provider can examine your skin and help decide if further testing is needed.
Taking care of your skin does not have to be complicated. Wearing sunscreen, protecting your skin from the sun, and talking to your provider when something looks unusual can help protect your health.
If you have questions about your skin, ask your provider during your next visit.
Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2024). Skin cancer. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Skin cancer prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/prevention
Mayo Clinic. (2024). Melanoma: Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/symptoms-causes
National Cancer Institute. (2024). Skin cancer prevention (PDQ®)–Patient version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-prevention-pdq
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. (2023). Sun safety. https://www.nih.gov