We’re almost to the end of the year, which means we’re almost done with another batch of New Year’s resolutions. Or are we? Did you make any resolutions this year regarding your health? For some, keeping resolutions isn’t easy, but here’s a good way to make an excellent health decision before the year is over.
A simple, painless skin check at a licensed dermatology clinic is a proactive step toward staying on top of your health. What does skin have to do with health? Everything. It’s your largest organ.
So this year, if you haven’t already done it, go get a skin check. It’s one of the best things you can do for yourself and the easiest way to monitor the condition of your skin.
What conditions do skin checks evaluate?
Skin cancer is a very serious condition affecting a surprisingly large number of people. And the irony is, the majority of cases can be stopped or minimized by having a comprehensive skin check every year. When you do this, the dermatologist providing the service is primarily looking for two things: 1. Spots or areas on the skin that are pre-cancerous; and 2. Developed skin cancer.
In many cases, nothing will be found. But if they are, you are at a huge advantage by knowing about them early on. Although only a person skilled in skin-testing methods can accurately diagnose what’s happening with your skin, there are a few things you can look for at home that might signal the need for a skin check by a medical professional.
- Skin spots/moles that have an asymmetrical shape (i.e., uneven, odd-looking)
- Spots with edges that are jagged rather than smooth
- Moles colored differently than “normal” moles, which are usually a consistent shade of brown
- Moles that seem to be too large or ones that you notice growing or changing in appearance
These are signs you can see at home, but in the very early stages, precancerous conditions can only be detected by a professional. This is why it’s so important to make a commitment to annual skin checks … a perfect entry on your New Year’s resolution list. A single skin evaluation each year is in most cases sufficient to monitor your health and guard against any larger problems down the line.
Trained medical professionals, such as the dermatologists at DermSurgery Associates of Houston, can offer a menu of skin screenings for skin disorders including cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. If skin cancer or precancerous cells are found, their treatments include Mohs surgery for skin cancer and a medically advanced Photodynamic therapy for precancerous conditions. Click the links to learn more about these advanced forms of treatment!
There’s still time to get a skin check before the year is over. It’s good for your health, and you will be able to keep that “be healthy” New Year’s resolution. To start the process, call DermSurgery at (713) 791-9966.
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