At our age, it’s cliché to bemoan how we should have taken better care of our skin when we were young and dumb. Especially now that signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and — yes, even acne — are apparently a way of life.
But beyond our cosmetic appearance, we should also be seeing a dermatologist and getting advice on screening for symptoms of skin cancer and eating certain foods for our skin. Whether you’re headed for your first visit or not, here are 10 questions you might want to ask your dermatologist.
First visit: What to ask a dermatologist
How to know if a mole is cancerous and other symptoms of skin cancer
Skin cancer is one of the easiest cancers to find because it usually begins where you can see it. If found early enough, skin cancer is highly treatable and curable. “All adults who have a lighter skin type — especially those with a history of excessive sun exposure — should have a baseline full body skin exam,” dermatology physician assistant Tricia Loo Rohrs told Mom.com.
7. What are some signs of skin cancer?
Skin cancer can be found anywhere on your body. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), some signs of skin cancer can include:
- Mole that is changing or looks different from other moles
- Growth that is dome-shaped
- Scaly patch
- Sore that doesn’t heal or heals and returns
- Brown or black streak under your nail
If you’re a person of color, 60% to 70% of tumors start in areas with lighter skin that isn’t normally exposed to the sun (e.g.: soles of the feet and palms of the hand) and are often misdiagnosed as warts, fungus, or dark nail. Nearly 80% of melanomas in Asian Americans occur in the mouth, on the soles or palms. More than half of all melanoma cases in people of color are under the nail.
8. How do I know if my moles are okay?
If you have moles on your body, in between dermatologist appointments, perform a quick “ABCDE” test:
- Asymmetry: Are the halves of the mole different from each other?
- Border: Are the borders irregular?
- Color: Has the color changed or are there multiple colors?
- Diameter: Is the mole getting bigger?
- Elevation: Is the mole increasingly elevated from your skin surface?
9. How do I perform a self-check?
Look for a spot that is different from the rest of your body, changes, itches, or bleeds. Your dermatologist can show you how to conduct a thorough self-check akin to what the AAD recommends.
10. How do I protect my skin?
Ask your dermatologist how you can best protect your skin type from the sun and aging. What are the best sunscreens, UV-blocking clothing, hats or sunglasses? Are there particular products or treatments you can try?
