#Sun spotter with mirrors skin

It happens when ultraviolet (UV) light hits skin unprotected by sunscreen, causing DNA changes at a cellular level.

Called photoaging, this can lead to skin cancer.Дermatologists refer to the damage the sun does to skin by several names, including photoaging, photodamage, solar damage, or sun damage. But, there can also be long-term consequences lurking within the skin, even if you donвЂ™t experience a burn. In the short-term, that can mean contending with a scorching sunburn. For more detailed information on skin biopsies, see Tests for Melanoma Skin Cancer or Tests for Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer.The sunвЂ™s rays can take a toll on your skin. The doctor will choose one based on the suspected type of skin cancer, where it is on your body, the size of the affected area, and other factors. If the doctor thinks that a suspicious area might be skin cancer, a sample of skin from that area will be removed and looked at under a microscope. If you're being seen by your primary doctor and skin cancer is suspected, you may be referred to a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin diseases, who might use special tools to look at the area more closely. The rest of your body may be checked for moles and other spots that could be related to skin cancer. The doctor will then examine your skin, noting the size, shape, color, and texture of the area in question, and if it is bleeding, oozing, or crusting. You might also be asked about past exposures to causes of skin cancer (including sunburns and tanning practices) and if you or anyone in your family has had skin cancer. Usually the doctorвЂ™s first step is to ask about your symptoms, such as when the mark first appeared, if it has changed in appearance, and if itвЂ™s painful, itchy, or bleeding. If you canвЂ™t see the doctor right away, you might want to take good close-up photos of the area so your doctor can see if the area is changing when you do get an appointment. If the doctor suspects you might have skin cancer, they will do exams and tests to find out. If youвЂ™re looking at your skin (during a skin-self exam or at any other time) and see anything that concerns you, especially something that has just appeared or has changed recently, be sure to have it checked by a doctor. If you find something suspicious on your skin Signs and Symptoms of Merkel Cell Carcinoma.Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma Skin Cancer.Signs and Symptoms of Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers.To learn more about what skin cancer might look like, see: A mole with an odd shape, irregular borders, or areas of different colorsД«ut itвЂ™s important to understand that these are not the only ways skin cancer can appear.A mole (or other spot on the skin) thatвЂ™s new or changing in size, shape, or color.A rough or scaly red patch, which might crust or bleed.A sore that bleeds and/or doesnвЂ™t heal after several weeks.A new, expanding, or changing growth, spot, or bump on the skin.Some of the more common ways in which skin cancers can appear include: But skin cancers can occur anywhere on the body. Many skin cancers are more common on parts of the body that tend to get more sun, such as the face, head, neck, and arms. Sometimes they might even look like other skin conditions. In fact, skin cancers can show up in many shapes and sizes. If you look at your skin regularly, you will know whatвЂ™s normal for you.

Check any moles, blemishes, or birthmarks from the top of your head to your toes. The best time to do a skin self-exam is after a bath or shower.

Be sure to show your doctor any areas that concern you.ДЇollow these step-by-step instructions to examine your skin: Learn the pattern of moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks on your skin so that youвЂ™ll notice any changes next time. The first time you examine your skin, spend time carefully going over the entire surface. A spouse, partner, or close friend or family member may be able to help you with these exams, especially for those hard-to-see areas like your back or scalp. You can use a hand-held mirror to look at areas that are hard to see, such as the backs of your thighs. Talk to your doctor about how often you should examine your skin.ДЄ skin self-exam is best done in a well-lit room in front of a full-length mirror. Regular skin self-exams are especially important for people who are at higher risk of skin cancer, such as people with reduced immunity, people who have had skin cancer before, and people with a strong family history of skin cancer. If you have skin cancer, finding it early is the best way to make sure it can be treated successfully.ДЄlthough the American Cancer Society does not have guidelines for the early detection of skin cancer, many doctors recommend checking your own skin regularly, typically once a month. You donвЂ™t need x-rays or blood tests to find skin cancer early вЂ“ just your eyes and a mirror.

Sun spotter with mirrors