The skin is the organ more extensive of the human body and one of the most vulnerable, since It acts as a protective barrier in front of the environment and, daily, is exposed to elements such as solar radiation, smoke and pollution.
The care of this organ should not be seen only from the aesthetic point of view, but also as a matter of health. Proof of this is that, according to data from the Institute of Cancerology and Hospital Dr. Bernardo del Valle S. (INCAN)in 2021 skin cancer represented 7.6% of the diagnoses made in that center.
Beyond establishing a skin care routinemaintain good diet and hydration and Use sunscreenit is important to be aware of any change or stain, since these can be an alert signal.
How to identify abnormal spots on the skin: the melanoma ABCDE rule
There is one Guide that allows identifying worrying changes in moles or skin spots. “It is a simple guide and only the first five letters of the alphabet (ABCDE) must be remembered,” says the Oncologist of Incan, Leslie Rodas.
A of asymmetry
“Lunar or spots that are asymmetric, that is at risk,” warns the specialist. According to the National Institute of the United States Cancer (NCI), asymmetry refers to when “the form of one does not coincide with that of the other half.”
B irregular edges
Irregular edges constitute another important risk factor. “If the lunar has the irregular edge or is a stain that shows rare edges, it is a sign of consultation,” says Rodas.
C color
The non -uniform color or very dark tones also represent risk factors. Rhodes emphasizes the importance of observing the color of the spots and if it changes.
D in diameter
“If the stain is greater than 6 mm, it is also an alert signal. Below 6 mm are of lower risk, but it is important to check it,” explains the specialist. However, he clarifies that “not because of that number it means that it is bad”, but that “the most important thing is to see if the diameter is increasing as the years go by.”
E of evolution
The evolution or change of spots over time is perhaps the most critical factor. “It may be that I have a birth stain, but as the years go by, this stain is changing its shape, its color, it is ulcere, it is bleeding, it has crust, because that already makes it a risk factor,” says Dr. Rodas.
The importance of immediate consultation
Rhodes emphasizes the importance of early consultation when a new spot appears in the body. Although not all are dangerous, constant check will be key to detecting any anomaly.
“Sometimes they are very small injuries that, with topical agents or with small surgery, can be resolved. However, we have seen, above all, patients who arrive with very bulky injuries, who are already infiltrating even other structures, bones or begin to spread ganglia or other parts of the body, and that is already very dangerous,” he explains.
The implications of a late diagnosis can be devastating: “It can imply that the patient needs surgery that defores his face, for example, or that it is no longer a healing approach, but is only palliative,” he adds.
Early detection can make a difference between successful treatment and complications that put life at risk.
Recommendations for skin care
Within the framework of World Leather Cancer Day, Dermatology and Oncology specialists of the San Juan de Dios, Roosevelt hospitals and the Institute of Cancerology (INCAN), in an event organized by Megalabs, provided recommendations for skin care.
These recommendations include:
- Use sunscreen every day, even indoors or in cloudy days
- Reapplicate every 2 hours if you are exposed to the sun or after sweating or swimming
- Avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 16.00
- Wear protective clothing, wide wing hat and glasses with UV filter
- Observe the moles and consult with a dermatologist before any change