Hey there beauties and skinfluencers!
October is all about breast cancer awareness, and while we’re reminding you to schedule your yearly mammogram, let’s also shine a light on another serious but often overlooked concern: Skin Cancer.
Following Dr. Costi’s guidance, a monthly head-to-toe check is your best defense against both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. The ideal time for a self-exam is when you can see your entire body, like before or after your shower. If you’ve got a mole or a suspicious spot you’re keeping an eye on, it’s a good idea to snap a photo and compare it from month to month for any changes, like growth or color shifts. (Read more about skin cancer.)
1. Between your toes: It’s easy to miss these spaces when applying sunscreen, and they’re often overlooked during self-checks. Keep an eye out for pink, pearly, or scaly spots or sores that won’t heal.
2. Your eyes and eyelids: The eyelids are a common site for non-melanoma skin cancers, especially the lower eyelid. Look for persistent lumps, bleeding, swollen eyelids, or unexplained eyelash loss.
3. Your ears: The nooks and crannies on the outside of your ear can hide trouble. Watch for raised lesions, multiple colors, or bleeding.
4. Your intimate area: Yes, even there. Especially if you’re a sun enthusiast or a tanning bed fan. Melanomas can appear on genitals or the anus and are often linked to indoor tanning.
5. Under your nails: Don’t forget your nails during your monthly check. For melanoma, keep an eye out for dark streaks on the nails or skin darkening next to the nail.
6. Under your boobs: While doing your monthly breast self-exam, check for new or changing moles and unusual bumps.
7. Under your feet: Non-melanomas on the soles of your feet are rare but not impossible. Look for unusual bumps, red patches, sores, or wart-like spots.
8. Your scalp: Enlist a friend or your hairstylist’s help to check your scalp. Pay attention to thinning hair areas and any part in your hair.
9. Your mouth: Yes, skin cancer can hide here too. Inspect under your tongue, inside your cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Seek a medical opinion if something resembling a canker sore doesn’t heal in three weeks or gets bigger. Also, be cautious if you spot dark red or white patches in your mouth.
10. Your tattoo: Both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers can hide within tattoos, potentially delaying diagnosis.
Stay aware, lovelies! Regular checks can save lives, so schedule your dermatologist appointment and share this blog with someone who needs to read it💖💪
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