The importance of reviewing the spots on the skin

Everyone has spots on the skin that are a normal part of growing up. However, there are times that these spots may be a sign of something more troubling.

Specialists in Dermatology insist that it is important to check your skin regularly for suspicious spots. Recommends doing so at least once a month and, if in doubt, contact a specialist.

What we must look at the spots on the skin?

• Spots that have changed in size, color or shape
• They are different from the rest
• They are asymmetrical
• They have a rough touch
• They have several colors
• They are larger than 6mm
• Pican
• Bleed
• They have a shiny surface
• They look like a wound but do not cure

Any change in the size, shape, color, or other characteristic of surface stains may indicate a suspicious lesion. In addition, a new sign of bleeding or crusting or itching as a symptom can also indicate this.

People at risk for skin blemishes

Skin cancer is more common in people over age 50 or people who have been exposed to the sun for prolonged and / or intense. However, melanoma can also affect young adults.

People who have a higher risk of skin cancer are those that:

• They have clear skin
• It burns easily in the sun
• They have suffered sunburn in childhood
• They spend many hours in the sun, whether for business or leisure
• They exposed to intense sun for short periods of time, for example during holidays
• Treatments using tanning booths, as UVA or artificial sun
• They have more than 50 moles
• They have a family history of skin cancer
• They are carriers of any organ transplantation

Preventing skin cancer

90% of skin cancers have an excellent prognosis, but this should be done early diagnosis. You should see a dermatologist as soon as we detect a suspicious lesion.

To prevent skin cancer must take into account some considerations:

• Practice good sun protection for children. You need to use more sunscreen than 30, shirt and cap.
• No sun exposure in the middle of the day, that is, between 12h and 16h.
• Avoid sunburn.
• Protect the skin and eyes with a hat, shirt and sunglasses.
• Apply sunscreen every two hours.
• Avoid the use of tanning beds (UVA / artificial sun)