Why Getting Your Skin Checked is So Important

Learn More: Why getting your skin checked should be an important part of your health care routine.

We have all dealt with some sort of skin issue throughout our lifetime. Whether it is an unexpected rash, trying to relieve a sunburn or the sudden appearance of a mole. But, getting your skin checked should not be taken so lightly, rather it should be included as part of your health care plan.

Our skin is the largest organ in our body, and the one with the important task of protecting everything else that we are made of. However, it is often the one that is the most neglected.

But, with the increasing rates of skin cancer in the U.S., especially among women, it comes as a need including a skin cancer screening procedure as part of our regular check-ups.

Getting your skin checked is not tedious or complicated. In fact, a simple visit to your preferred dermatologist could clear out any doubts of preoccupations you may have regarding your skin or any particular change you’ve seen it gone through.

With the summer days ahead, we are more prone to longer sun exposure, suffering from dehydration or seeing skin discolorations.

These are particularly important as, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in existence, and the sudden appearance of lighter/darker marks, moles or irregularities is a very telling symptom.

So, what are the skin cancer screening recommendations that specialists suggest?

Schedule a skin cancer screening procedure at least once a year as part of your physical, and talk to your doctor about any changes you may have noticed.
Understand your possible risk factors; that means getting to know your skin type and whether or not there is a potential history of skin problems in your family.
Self-checks are just as important, because they help you determine the A through Es of your skin. That means the asymmetry of any mole or marking, changes in border, color changes, changes in diameter and any evolving moles.
Exercise sun protection at all times and in all available ways, meaning that you should use your sun block, but also rely on the use of hats, UV protecting clothing, sun glasses and limit the amount of time you spend in the sun.

These skin cancer screening recommendations are important at all ages and stages of our lives, but are particularly imperative once you have reached adulthood.

Getting your skin checked whether through self-checking or by schedule a visit with your Specialist is key in identifying any possible risk factors.

When the time comes to meet with your dermatologist, your skin cancer screening procedure will be easy, pain-free and short, as a typical exam usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, and – in many cases – results are ready in as little as 3 days when lab tests are required.

Your doctor may also help you develop a proper skin care plan if he or she notices that you are in need of repairing care, exfoliation, hydration or any type of treatment that may enhance and improve the health of your skin.

Knowing how to care for your skin, especially during the summer, and understanding your skin’s history is key in eliminating any possible risk factors that may be potentially dangerous.

Moreover, you can talk to your Doctor about the possibilities of developing any type of skin disease, and whether or not a preventive treatment is a good choice for you.

Taking care of your health is important, and your skin is one of the main parts that should never be forgotten, no matter what. So lather on the SPF 30+ (the very minimum), use your wide-brim hat and seek shade whenever necessary.