When it comes to your skin health, knowing when to seek specialist advice can spare you from unnecessary procedures and worry. Here are five skin changes that should prompt an appointment with a skin specialist.
Key signs
1. Asymmetrical Moles. If you notice that a mole’s shape is not symmetrical, where one half does not match the other, it’s time to have it evaluated. Asymmetry can be a sign of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, and should always be assessed by a skin specialist.
2. Irregular Borders. Moles with jagged or blurred edges require expert attention. These borders may indicate that the mole is evolving, a key warning sign of potential skin cancer.
3. Unusual Color Variations. You should have a skin specialist check out any mole that displays multiple colors or has changed color over time. Normal moles are usually a single shade of brown, so variations in color can signal malignant changes.
4. Rapid Growth. Any mole that grows quickly or changes in size should be seen by a dermatologist. Fast-growing moles can sometimes be benign, but they can also represent a riskier change needing specialist review.
5. New Skin Lesions After Age 50. If you develop new moles or skin lesions after the age of 50, it’s particularly important to have them assessed by a skin specialist. Changes in the skin at a later age can often be different from those occurring earlier in life.
Knowing your ABCDEs of how to spot skin cancer signs is an easy way of detecting changes in your skin when doing a self-skin check.
By recognizing these changes and consulting with a skin care specialist, you can ensure any serious conditions are treated promptly and effectively. Remember, when it comes to skin health, being proactive with changes can make all the difference.
