It’s November. Time to pull out your puffy jackets and fluffy scarves, right? Sure! November is also National Healthy Skin Month, so it’s also time for your annual skin check. You can consider this your guide to getting skin-savvy—starting today, lasting the whole year though.
Some facts you may not know about the skin you’re in:
Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers.2 And skin cells, like those damaged from the sun or tanning beds, may begin to rapidly multiply out of control and form a tumor.4 That’s why it’s important to examine your skin for any changes that may indicate cancer or pre-cancer.
While it’s a good idea to see your doctor every year for a professional skin exam, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends you examine your skin monthly—from head to toe.5
Look out for new or unusual spots or anything that’s changing, itching, or bleeding. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns—and check again next month!
In the meantime, here are some healthy skin tips from the American Academy of Dermatology1
References:
1 https://www.aad.org.link opens in a new window
2 http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts.link opens in a new window
3 https://www.everydayhealth.com/news/10-amazing-facts-about-skin/.link opens in a new window
4 http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/graphics/warning.link opens in a new window
5 http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/early-detection/step-by-step-self-examination.link opens in a new window