Summer officially ended on September 21, although here in LA the temperature is still in the 80s with the UV rating of 8 (UV Index reading of 8 to 10 means very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure) so no letting up on sun protection for us in the southern states.
For me it’s also marked on the calendar as time to make an appointment for my annual skin check.
Before the Exam
Get the most from your doctor’s visit by first performing a full body skin self exam, don’t forget to check areas like your scalp, between your toes, and the soles of your feet.
When you are doing a thorough skin check, of particular concern are any moles that have grown and are larger than the eraser on the end of a pencil or have changed shape or color. You’re particularly looking for any uneven moles that are asymmetric, meaning if you drew a line across the middle of it the two halves don’t match or have jagged edges.
Watch out for dry or scaly spots that don’t respond to a little moisturizing cream and heal up but continue to be dry and scaly.
Be sure to make note of any new, changing, itching, or bleeding moles, growths, or other lesions. Quite often in the early stages of skin cancer you can be the best person to notice small changes.
Also remove all nail polish from your fingernails and toenails as skin cancers can form there.
50+UPF Sunny Sleevez
I just had my skin check, I’m so happy you are spreading the word.
Very helpful advice since most people tend to ignore this subject having supposed themselves safe because of sun screen. People who travel in the car a lot in short sleeves should also check, especially if they usually have their car window open. xx
After doing some research, it appears that melanoma skin cancer is a deadly, yet very highly preventable disease and early detection can be key in saving one’s life. How many times do you suggest one visits the dermatologist for skin screenings each year? Are there skin checks one can follow and do in his/her own home as well or are these not sufficient?
Jacqueline
Thank you for the important message you send. Whilst I was delighted at reading of a recently discovered breakthrough cure for melanoma, the key is early detection. Regular checks and taking every reasonable precaution is so important. I am a happily ginger haired outdoorsman and I grew up in fierce tropical African sunshine – my parents instilled a sense of taking responsibility for protecting myself against the sun and I never go outside without a hat if I can help it. Stay safe & healthy – metiefly.
Thanks. Scheduled a few days ago. I like the marking the calendar for yearly check ups.
Good for you 🙂
Had a stage two carcinoma lesion on left leg at knee this spring. It was very painful. Had to have a Mohrs surgery. Doc said that anytime you have a sudden, painful lesion, get yourself to a dermatologist.