The Importance of Regular Skin Checks: Early Detection Saves Lives
Living in a sun-soaked area like Naples, Florida, means we get to enjoy beautiful weather year-round. However, this also increases our exposure to UV radiation, which is a significant risk factor for skin cancer. Regular skin checks are an essential part of maintaining your skin health and catching potential problems before they become serious.
Why Regular Skin Checks Matter
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and early detection is key to successful treatment. The three most common types of skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma—can often be treated effectively if found early. Regular skin checks, both at home and with a dermatologist, are your first line of defense.
Early Detection Saves Lives:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common form of skin cancer, BCC rarely spreads but can cause significant damage to surrounding tissues if not treated early.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): SCC can spread to other parts of the body, making early detection crucial.
Melanoma: Though less common, melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It can spread rapidly to other organs, but when caught early, treatment is often very successful.
What Happens During a Skin Check?
A professional skin examination with a dermatologist is thorough and can detect potential issues that might be missed during self-examinations. During the exam:
Visual Inspection: The dermatologist will examine your skin from head to toe, looking for any unusual moles, growths, or changes in existing moles.
Dermoscopy: In some cases, a dermatoscope—a specialized tool that allows for a closer look at the skin—is used to examine suspicious areas more closely.
Biopsy: If the dermatologist finds an area of concern, a biopsy may be performed to determine if the spot is cancerous.
How to Perform a Self-Examination
While professional exams are essential, self-examinations are a great way to keep an eye on your skin between visits. Here’s how to perform a self-check:
Use a Full-Length Mirror: Start by examining your face, ears, neck, chest, and stomach. Women should check under their breasts as well.
Check Hard-to-See Areas: Use a hand mirror to inspect your scalp, the back of your neck, and your back.
Look at Your Hands and Feet: Don’t forget to check between your fingers and toes, as well as the soles of your feet.
Monitor Moles: Keep an eye on existing moles, watching for changes in size, shape, color, or texture. The ABCDEs of melanoma—Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter, and Evolving—are a helpful guide.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you notice any new or changing moles, spots that itch or bleed, or sores that don’t heal, it’s time to see a dermatologist. In sunny regions like Naples, regular professional skin checks are recommended at least once a year, or more frequently if you’re at higher risk due to factors like fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer.
Protect Your Skin—Schedule a Skin Check Today
At Naples Dermatology, our team of board-certified dermatologists is here to help you keep your skin healthy and safe. Regular skin checks are a simple but powerful tool in preventing skin cancer and catching it early when it’s most treatable.
Don’t wait—schedule your annual skin check today. Your skin will thank you!