Skin cancer can develop on your scalp, a hard-to-see area that often gets overlooked. While you can’t easily check the top of your head, there are steps you can take to identify potential skin cancer early.
How to identify
- Stay alert to any unusual symptoms on your scalp. If you feel a bump, sore, or area of irritation that doesn’t heal, it’s worth paying attention. Persistent itching, tenderness, or pain can also be warning signs.
- Enlist help from someone you trust. Ask a friend, family member, or your hair stylist to regularly examine your scalp. They should look for any new growths, moles, or patches of skin that appear different from the surrounding area. Pay special attention to spots that are red, scaly, or have an irregular shape or color.
- Use a mirror or take photos with your phone to help monitor changes over time. Part your hair in different sections to get a clear view of your scalp. This method may not be perfect, but it can help you catch something unusual.
- Regular visits to a skin specialist is key. They can perform a thorough scalp examination, using a dermatoscope if needed, to identify any suspicious areas early.
Hair does provide a certain level of natural protection against the sun, acting as a barrier that reduces direct exposure to UV radiation. When hair is sparse or absent, the scalp is more vulnerable to sunburn and long-term damage, which increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Be sure to apply sunscreen to the scalp.
If you have a shorter hairstyle or pull your hair back, there are areas more exposed to the sun. Those include the hair part, hairline, crown of the head, back of the neck, ears, temples and nape of the neck. Look for a spray sunscreen that is lightweight and non-greasy to apply to your scalp area that won’t leave residue on your hair. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is an added level of protection.
If work takes you outdoors, taking extra precautions while in the sun is important.
Prevention and early detection are key to managing skin cancer effectively, even in those hard-to-see places. By staying vigilant and using these strategies, you can keep your scalp healthy and catch any issues before they become serious.