What Are the 5 Warning Signs of Skin Cancer to Look For?

Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in the US. Although some people are more likely to get skin cancer than others, everyone is a potential victim. 

Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, tanning beds, or sunlamps is the main factor in the development of skin cancer. Skin cells are harmed by UV radiation. This harm can result in sunburn soon. 

UV deterioration accumulates over time, causing textural changes, early aging, and even skin cancer. Cataracts and other eye disorders are related to UV radiation exposure.

Sun protection is necessary all year round. UV radiation still destroys your skin even when you can't see it. This implies that you should apply sunscreen daily. Your face and hands should be protected because they receive the most exposure.

Five Skin Cancer Symptoms You Should Know:

1. Longlasting Flesh-Colored or Pearly Hump.

The most prevalent type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is frequently mistaken for a skin tag or lump resembling skin. The head, neck, arms, and legs are the regions most commonly exposed to the sun for BCCs.

2. Eczematous Area on Your Lower Lip

Do you have a dry patch on your body that never seems to go away, no matter how much lip balm and moisturizer you apply? You probably have sun damage on your bottom lip from years of exposure to the sun. Visit your dermatologist if the scaly area persists so they can confirm it is just dryness and not squamous cell cancer.

3. Stripe of Dark Color on the Nail

Skin cancer may develop under your nails, yes! They typically appear as a stripe in the nail that is dark brown or black and discolored. Before they manifest as painful or uncomfortable symptoms, they may be present for years. Make an appointment with your doctor if a new dark brown or black stripe appears.

4. Painful or Itching Bump

Any patch that is constantly irritating and never goes away might indicate an early stage of skin cancer, even if you can't see it. You may experience the symptoms before you see any changes to your skin. Keep an eye out for any changes and see your doctor if necessary.

5. Sore or Lump That Is Red and Solid and Never Heals

Do you suppose you "bummed" your leg on the coffee table because you have a red lump on your thigh? Or did you accidentally bump your head on a low ceiling and have a non-healing sore on your scalp? Squamous cell carcinoma may be the cause if it has been present for longer than a few weeks (SCC). 

These tumors frequently manifest as a sore that won't heal or a red, hard lump. It's time to consult a doctor if that new spot doesn't disappear.

Let's celebrate July, UV Safety Month, by taking extra care of our skin and protecting it from harshing UV light. What best way to do so is by adding a retinol serum to our skincare routine, like Alpha C. Containing vitamin C and pure retinol, it makes the perfect defense and treatment for sun-damaged skin.

You may protect your skin from UV rays from the sun and steer clear of artificial UV exposure sources like sunlamps and tanning beds to reduce your chance of developing skin cancer.

Protecting yourself from UV radiation all year long, not just in the summer, is crucial. On overcast and chilly days, ultraviolet UV light may penetrate your skin and reflect off of things like water, cement, sand, and snow. Sunlight saving time in the continental United States runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are at their highest (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time).

Reducing or eliminating your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lower your risk of skin cancer. The early signs of skin cancer might be found by checking for abnormal changes in your skin. You have the best chance of successfully treating skin cancer if you find it early.

Skin cancer is not the only reason for some skin changes. To ascertain the cause of your skin changes, consult your doctor. Keep an eye out for any skin cancer signs mentioned above, and if you see any changes in your skin that concern you, schedule a consultation with your doctor.