Dermatology Body Map: Learn to Read Your Body

With summer approaching, it’s a good time to review our sun safety habits and check the health of our skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it is affected by UV rays every day. Exposure to UV radiation is the main cause of skin cancer, with approximately 99% of non-melanoma and 95% of melanoma cancers caused by too much UV radiation.

The good news is skin cancer is preventable. Wear sunblock, cover up and avoid tanning booths to keep your skin happy and healthy. You can also learn to read your body, so you can keep track of any changes that might signal a need to visit a doctor.

 

Self-Examination

Take the time out to do a head-to-toe self-examination every month. It’ll only take a few minutes, and it could alert you to potential cancer signs. Follow these steps to perform a thorough checkup:

1. Examine the face, especially the nose, lips, mouth and ears, using a mirror to check the back parts.
2. Inspect your scalp using a blow dryer and mirror to view each section.
3. Check hands, including the palms, backs of your hands, fingers, underneath your fingernails, wrists and forearms.
4. Check your neck, chest and torso. Women should check the undersides of their breasts.
5. Turn your back to a full length mirror and examine the lower back, buttocks and backs of both legs.
6. Sit down and use a mirror to examine genitals. Check the inside of legs from thighs to shins, and ankles, tops of feet and the under soles.

 

Warning Signs

Skin cancer can usually be stopped in its tracks if detected at an early stage. Look out for any new moles or growths, any existing growths that are growing or changing significantly, and any lesions that change, itch, bleed or don’t heal.

There are two strategies to use when trying to detect signs of melanoma.

ABCDE

• A The mole is asymmetrical.
• B The mole has an uneven border.
• C The mole is not a consistent colour.
• D The mole is bigger than 6mm in diameter.
• E The mole evolves or changes in any way.

 

The Ugly Duckling

The method behind this is to compare your moles with each other. If any mole stands out or looks significantly different from the surrounding moles, it’s the ugly duckling and should be checked by a doctor immediately.

 

Skin Clinic Checks

It’s important to learn to read your body, but self-examinations should be accompanied by routine checks at your local skin clinic. At Claris Group, we can offer you a comprehensive skin check, mole tracking and other services and solutions for the health of your skin. If you have any concerns or queries, contact us today.