All The Signs You Need to See Your Skincare Specialist Immediately

Your skin can change quickly, and its appearance can be an indication of your overall health. There are a large number of skin concerns which can be annoying, but are nothing to worry about. However, there are some serious issues which will require attention from a skin specialist. Melanoma and other skin cancers can be hard to self-diagnose, and if you are unsure it is always best to book a skin check appointment:

See Your Skincare Specialist Because Early Detection is Key

When detected early, there is a very high chance of successful treatment of skin cancer. If you have a family history of skin cancer, or a large number of moles, it’s important to see your skincare specialist, even if it just eases your mind. Plus, any abnormalities can be caught early.

Self-examination will help to keep you in tune with your own skin. If you do notice any unusual changes, or if there is a spot which is concerning you it is recommended that you see a skin specialist sooner rather than later.

For Urgent Attention

There are some important signs that it’s time to see your skin specialist immediately:

Changes to Moles

Most moles are harmless and appear as small brown coloured spots. They come in different sizes, shape, and pigmentation. Some moles called atypical moles are larger and have an irregular shape, and are can be uneven in colour. If you notice any sudden changes to a mole it is important to consult your skin specialist urgently. The changes may be harmless and non-cancerous, but can also be an indication of malignant melanoma, a life-threatening form of skin cancer.

Early detection of malignant melanoma is crucial as this skin cancer is fast growing.

Melanoma, Signs To Look For:

• Both sides of the mole are different in shape, texture, or colour
• The defining border of the mole is irregular
• The mole has different colours such as black, blue, white, red, or brown
• Mole diameter is larger than a pencil eraser
• Any recent changes in size, shape, or colour
• New moles which have suddenly appeared
• Moles which are painful, bleed or itch

Melanoma in children

It is also important to check your children for any unusual changes in moles.  Suspicious spots in children are usually red or pink, raised, and often bleed.

Infected Moles  

Moles can become infected due to fungus, virus, scratching or bacteria from the skin. If you experience redness, swelling, pain, fever, bleeding or pus discharge it is important to see your doctor immediately. 

When you accidentally cut or irritate a mole, and it does not heal after cleansing, a visit to your skin specialist is advisable.

Non Melanoma Skin Changes

Often the first sign of non-melanoma skin cancer is a firm red lump or patch of flat scaly skin which does not heal. Although these types of skin cancer are not necessarily life threatening, it is still important to see your skin specialist as soon as possible. As these cancers advance they can become dangerous.

One other type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) which can grow quickly and may require urgent treatment. If you notice a thickened red scaly patch or a fast growing lump you should see your skin specialist immediately. Other symptoms of SCC may include a sore that does not heal.

Remember, it is generally good self-maintenance to check for any unusual, new, changing skin growth and have these promptly checked by a specialist.