Skin cancer is a common and potentially life-threatening disease that occurs when skin cells have abnormal growth. It is usually easy to diagnose early because its symptoms manifest on the skin’s surface; therefore, awareness and early diagnosis are key for effective treatment.
This blog will discuss the different types of skin cancer, its symptoms, when to consult a professional, and ways to prevent skin cancer. If you see any of these signs, it would be wise to get in touch with the best dermatologists in Kolkata or consult skin specialist online.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
To diagnose skin cancer in its early stage, one should look for some signs that may be observed on the surface of the skin. Here are some symptoms you should look out for:
1. Changes in Existing Moles or Skin Lesions:
- Asymmetry: A normal mole has an oval or round shape. If the mole or the lesion is asymmetrical, that is, if one half is different from the other half, then you are likely to have skin cancer.
- Uneven Borders: Skin cancer lesions are often irregular, and the border of the lesion may not be smooth and well-defined.
- Multiple Colors: Any mole or spot that is of different colors, for instance, brown, black, red, or blue, should be examined. Skin cancer lesions may also change with time.
- Large Size: Any skin mole or lesion that is larger than the size of a pencil rubber (about 6 millimeters or ¼ inch) should be checked.
- Changes in Texture: Skin changes such as moles that have a rough texture, scaly texture, or bleeding are signs of skin cancer.
2. New Growths or Sores:
- Persistent Sores: Skin cancer may also manifest itself in the form of open sores or ulcers that have not healed at all. Any ulcer or any other lesion that does not heal or heals poorly and reoccurs may be a cause of concern.
- Bleeding or Oozing: If a skin mole or spot is asymmetrical, irregular in shape, or has a different color than the surrounding skin, is larger than 6 mm, and changes in size, bleeds, oozes, or develops a crust, it may be skin cancer.
3. Itching or Pain:
- Ongoing Itching: If the mole or skin lesion starts to itch, become tender, or become painful, then one should consult a doctor.
4. Non-Healing Wounds:
- Chronic Wounds: Skin cancer may present itself in the form of ulcers that do not heal even with normal medical treatment. If you have a skin wound that does not heal even after applying ointments that you can buy from the store, you should consult a doctor.
When to Seek Professional Help
Skin cancer has a high chance of being treated if diagnosed in the early stages. In case you experience any of the signs described above or you see changes in your skin, you should seek the help of a dermatologist. A dermatologist may perform a physical examination and other tests that might be required to offer a clear diagnosis. It is always advisable to get regular check-ups from a doctor, especially if one has a family history of skin cancer.
If you are a resident of Kolkata and are concerned about skin changes, then it would be advisable to consult with the best Dermatologists in Kolkata. Apart from getting a consultation from a skin specialist in person, you can seek advice from a skin specialist online.
Preventive Measures
The only way to prevent skin cancer is to reduce exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun and practice healthy habits. Here are some effective prevention tips:
- Use Sunscreen: Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily and reapply it even if it is a cloudy day. Reapply after two hours and after swimming or sweating.
- Wear Protective Clothing: One should wear hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves before going out, according to the advice of the experts. Choose clothes that have a UV protection factor.
- Seek Shade: The sun’s radiations are most effective during the day, particularly in the middle of the day between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. Thus, it is advised to stay indoors, and if one has to venture out, then one should try to stay in the shade as much as possible.
- Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds also cause skin cancer, so it is better to use self-tanning products to achieve the desired look.
- Regular Skin Checks: One should occasionally visit a dermatologist for a skin checkup to ensure that no new problems are developing.
Learning the early detection and intervention of skin cancer can prevent you in the long term. This is possible as the changes in the skin are easily detected. Skin cancer can be prevented by knowing the signs, types, and ways to prevent it so that you have healthy skin. If you find any symptoms that are unusual or suspicious, then consult a dermatologist. Knowing the risks and watching for any skin changes will help you keep your skin and your health in the best shape possible.
