Page 118 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2019

evaluate evaluate evaluate
Highly
SUSPICIOUS:
story by Lisa Toye Kaufman
When to Ask Your Doctor About a Mole
Fortunately, the bodies of most human beings operate almost flawlessly day in and day out. However, the skin is the largest and fastest growing organ in the human body and the least mishap can cause a glitch.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) website, most moles appear on the skin during childhood and adolescence. As a child or teen grows, moles will grow with the person. Some moles will darken, and other moles will lighten. These changes are expected and usually not a sign of melanoma, the most serious skin cancer.
Almost all adults have a few moles, and a mature person with light skin will often have more moles. Their skin may have 10 to 40 moles, which is considered normal.
To find melanoma early and get treatment,
fully grown individuals should check the skin. A change to an existing mole or a new mole is often the first sign of melanoma. If a mole or other spot is growing, itching, bleeding, or changing in any way, immediately make an appointment with a dermatologist.
Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon, Alan Lewis, M.D. of Modern Dermatology & Aesthetics of Gulfport says to remember the ABCDE rule, when it comes to moles that are problematic. “Any mole that looks asymmetrical, like from one side to the other, should be evaluated. Any mole that has a very notched or an irregular border should be evaluated. Any mole that has color variegation
within it, one side is darker than another side, should be evaluated. If something is above six millimeters in diameter, which is like a pencil eraser, that should be seen. The E is for evolution, which means any mole that is changing over time in size, shape, or color. A mole that is bleeding or doesn’t seem to be able to hold itself up too well should be evaluated,” he said.
The AAD website asserts, UV exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers including melanoma. Someone should seek shade, opt to wear protective clothing, avoid tanning beds and consider using a self-tanning product. A person should take care around water, sand and snow because these reflect and intensify the sun’s damaging rays.
Dr. Lewis offers, “The big thing right now is utilizing a sunscreen that should be an SPF 30 or higher. The key role of that is, if you are going to be out a good bit, be sure to reapply the sunscreen every two hours. It needs to be reapplied to
retain its efficacy. Try to wear a hat. A wide- brimmed hat with a three-inch to four-inch brim is good, when you are outdoors to augment your sunscreen use. Try to avoid sunlight during peak hours –10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – when the sun is at its most intense.”
118 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • June 2019 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net