Before You Plan Your Beach Vacation

Before You Plan Your Beach Vacation

The sun is starting to shine brighter this time of year, so before you start spending more time out in the sunshine, be sure to schedule your annual skin exam. Skin checks, which are an essential part of your health care, provide opportunities to evaluate any abnormal moles, growths and spots you may have.

While it’s important to schedule annual skin checks with your doctor, you also should monitor your skin regularly with self-examinations. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly half of melanomas are self-detected. All you have to do is follow the “ABCDE” guidelines at right while examining your body in a mirror in a well-lit room:

• A is for asymmetry: One half of the spot is unlike the other half. • B is for border: The spot has an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border. • C is for color: The spot has varying colors from one area to the next, such as shades of tan, brown, black or dark purple, or areas of white, red or blue. • D is for diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), they may be smaller when diagnosed. • E is for evolving: The spot looks different from others or exhibits changes in size, shape or color.

If something unusual appears, it’s essential to get it checked out for proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Early detection of skin cancer is the key to lesser treatment needs and successful outcomes.