When To See Your Dermatologist About A Growth On Your Skin
Skin growths are common, and they're not always a cause for concern. If a growth bothers you, your dermatologist can probably remove it by snipping it off, cutting it out, using a laser on it, or treating it with medication. However, it's important to have new skin growths checked by a dermatologist to make sure it isn't skin cancer. Below are a few indicators that it's a good idea to have a cancer check or get treatment for a growth.
When A Mole Or Freckle Changes
Moles and freckles might slowly get darker and change with age, but when you notice a mole bleeding, changing shape, or changing color, it's best to let your dermatologist know. The doctor may want to take a biopsy to see if cancer cells are present. A biopsy can be done in the dermatology clinic in a quick procedure, and then you'll know for sure if you're dealing with skin cancer.
When You Have An Itchy Or Scaly Patch
Symptoms of skin cancer vary according to where the growth is located and the type of cancer it is. Instead of a growth like a mole, your skin might develop a rough patch that you can feel as you run your fingers across it. The patch might itch or bleed. Itchy patches are common, and they could be from a number of causes, but since a patch could be a sign of cancer, you'll want a dermatologist to check it out.
If the problem is caused by irritation or some other reason, your dermatologist might give you medication to soothe the area, stop the itching, and promote healing.
When You Get A Sore That Won't Heal
You may think you have a sore or blister, but if the sore doesn't heal within the normal time, or if it bleeds and crusts over and then comes back, the problem might be skin cancer instead.
If you have diabetes or another circulation problem, you may be used to having sores that take a long time to heal. However, it's good to have a problem like this checked by a dermatologist to see if it's due to diabetes, skin cancer, constant irritation, or an infection.
When A Growth Has An Irregular Border
One of the common signs of skin cancer is a growth that has an irregular border. These often have a dark color, and they can appear anywhere on your body, even in areas that don't get much sun exposure. If you have any concerns about a new growth or an old growth that has a suspicious shape, it's always best to see your dermatologist.
It's also a good idea to get a yearly skin check done since you can't see all of your body very well, and you may even have signs of skin cancer you don't recognize. However, it's also important to remember that skin growths, patches, and rashes are common, so not every growth is a cause for panic. You can put your mind at ease by getting your skin problem properly diagnosed.
For more information, contact a dermatology clinic near you.