Summer may be winding down, but your skin is still feeling the effects. After months of spending endless hours outdoors, your skin has had tons of UV exposure.
This is why the end of summer is a smart time to take a closer look at your skin. Even if you wear sunscreen religiously, new spots and changes can still happen.
End of summer skin checks near Marietta, GA gives you an opportunity to catch anything unusual early and to get professional guidance before another season of sun-filled activities rolls around.
Why Is the End of Summer a Good Time for a Skin Check?
Think of an end of summer skin checks as a little reset for your skin. During the warmer months, you may notice new freckles, darker spots, and areas of irritation.
Of course, not every change is a problem. Skin can change for plenty of harmless reasons. The important part is knowing what deserves a closer look.
A professional skin examination allows a dermatologist to evaluate spots and to determine if any look suspicious. Getting things checked sooner rather than later can make a meaningful difference.
Can Summer Sun Exposure Increase Skin Cancer Risk?
Absolutely. UV radiation from the sun is a major risk factor for skin cancer. But, your skin doesn’t necessarily show the consequences right away.
A sunburn from a beach weekend will fade within a few days, but UV damage accumulates over time. Repeated exposure can cause premature skin aging while also increasing the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should spend the rest of your life hiding indoors. It simply means protecting your skin and paying attention to changes.
What Should You Look for Between Skin Checks?
You don’t need to become a professional skin detective. However, between skin exams, it’s helpful to keep an eye on your skin and to make note of anything that’s new or different.
Pay particular attention to spots that:
- Change in size, shape, or color
- Have an uneven or irregular appearance
- Itch, hurt, or are irritated without an obvious reason
- Bleed, crust, or repeatedly scab
If a spot looks significantly different from the others around it, it’s worth having a professional evaluate it.
Why Early Detection Is So Important
When it comes to skin cancer, finding a concerning spot early is extremely important. When detected at an early age, some skin cancers can be highly treatable.
This is why you shouldn’t wait until an unusual spot becomes painful or obviously changing before making an appointment. In many cases, concerning skin changes may not cause any symptoms at all.
Regular skin checks give you another set of trained eyes on your skin. They can also establish a baseline, making it easier to recognize changes during future examinations.
What Happens During a Skin Check Near Marietta, GA?
End of summer skin checks are pretty straightforward. A provider will examine your skin for unusual moles, growths, discoloration, and other changes. Depending on what they see and your individual risk factors, that may recommend monitoring, performing a biopsy, or follow-up examinations.
While it’s helpful to mention any spots you’ve noticed that have changed, or any lesions that won’t seem to heal, you don’t have to memorize every potential issue on your body.
If you have a history of skin cancer, make sure your provider knows.
Schedule Your End of Summer Skin Checks With the Best Dermatologist Near Marietta, GA
Summer might be saving goodbye, but your skin doesn’t simply forget everything it went through. A quick skin check is a simple, worthwhile step toward staying proactive about your skin’s health.
So before you officially call it sweater weather, schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnathan Chappell at Acworth Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center.
Contact our office online or give our office a call at 678-505-8030 today to speak with a member of our staff right away!
