Tips for taking care of your body’s largest organ
Skin is your body’s largest organ, yet you may forget its importance when it comes to taking care of your health. One way to prioritize your skin health is by performing regular skin checks, both at home and with a professional.
“Skin checks aid in the detection of early skin cancers, which is a factor associated with better outcomes,” says Dr. Linda Serrano, a dermatologist at Aurora Health Care. “They may also detect sun-damaged areas, called actinic keratosis, that have the potential to turn into skin cancer. These can often be treated before becoming more serious.”
Do you need a professional skin check?
Professional skin checks may not be necessary for everyone, but they’re essential for those at higher risk. “High-risk groups include those with a personal or family history of skin cancer, fair skin that burns easily, people with many moles – especially atypical moles – and anyone with significant sun exposure or a history of tanning bed use,” Dr. Serrano says.
Individuals with weakened immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medications also face a higher risk.
It’s also important to remember that skin cancer affects people of all skin tones.
How to perform a self-skin check
“During a self-skin check, look out for warning signs like a pimple-like spot that lasts for months, especially if it bleeds, a rapidly evolving mole, or a mole that is changing color, bleeding or growing,” says Dr. Serrano. “Rough patches of skin that feel like sandpaper may also be early signs of skin damage.”
To help you remember what to look for during self-skin checks, she recommends using the ABCDE rule: asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter over 6 millimeters and evolution over time.
Make sure you look all over during the self-skin check.
“Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, even the scalp, mouth, genitals or under the nails,” Dr. Serrano says.
If you come across a concerning spot, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist or ask for a referral from your primary care provider.
Other ways to protect your skin
To stay protected year-round, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily.
“Use water-resistant sunscreen when sweating or swimming and reapply every 40 minutes,” Dr. Serrano says. “Don’t forget wide-brimmed hats and sun-protective clothing when outdoors.”
Knowing the facts, performing regular self-skin checks, and protecting your skin year-round are some of the simplest and most powerful ways to protect your health.
Are you trying to find a dermatologist? Find one in Illinois or Wisconsin.
