As we age, our skin goes through many changes: wrinkles, drying and pigmentation.
Age spots, small dark spots on the skin, are common and are the result of years of sun exposure and aging.
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An old pointCredit: Getty
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A melanoma moleCredit: The Mole Clinic
If you have fair skin or are a fan of the sun, you are more likely to develop “sunspots”.
But if you’re familiar with the look of a dubious mole, you may be wondering if there’s anything more sinister.
Some features of age spots and skin cancer crossover.
Skin cancer can cause a number of abnormalities: a lump or a mole that may be shiny, itchy, multicolored, or scaly are just a few examples.
Melanoma skin cancer, the deadliest form of the disease, can lead to a new polka dot irregularly shaped and of more than one color.
It can be larger than normal and grow in size.
Similarly, dermatologist Dr. Sagar Patel said age spots “sometimes grow in size and can appear clustered, which gives the skin a blemished appearance.”
So when should you see a doctor?
What is a normal age point like?
In addition to being susceptible to growth, Dr. Sagar, a dermatologist at MyHealthcare Clinic, said that “usually age spots are a soft, even light color without any irregular pigment.”
He told The Sun, “They have the same texture as the skin, so you don’t feel elevated to the touch.”
Age spots can take months or even years to appear and occur when ultraviolet (UV) light accelerates melanin production, Dr. Sagar said.
“This is the natural pigment of the skin and age spots, which are sometimes called liver spots, appear when melanin is concentrated in a specific area,” he said.
“Age spots are more likely to be in the most exposed areas of the body, such as the face, forearms and back of the hands.”
When should a doctor be seen?
Look at an elderly person’s hands, chest, or face, and there’s a good chance you’ll find a point of age.
Most of them “have nothing to worry about,” Dr. Sagar said.
But he added: “As with a mole, if you notice any color change, an irregular edge or outline, an age spot that grows or rises, seek expert advice immediately.”
The key to remember is that if you are worried, it is always better to do a review.
“It’s always best to be aware of any changes in your skin and consult your GP if you have any questions,” Dr. Sagar said.
Skin cancer can affect anyone, even those who have no history of sunbathing or using sunbeds.
Know the signs
Dr. Sagar said many people are still unaware of what they should look for when it comes to skin cancer.
He said: “Unfortunately, the UK is far behind countries such as Australia and the United States in terms of mole awareness.
“While regular mapping of moles is very common in other parts of the world, many Britons simply ignore the changes on their skin.
“Of course, we don’t have the same warm weather, but you don’t need high temperatures to be exposed to harmful UV rays that can increase the chances of a mole becoming cancerous.”
He recommended the ABCDE melanoma checklist to monitor skin changes:
- A – asymmetry, when half of the mole does not match the other
- B – edge, when the contour of the mole is irregular, irregular or blurred
- C: color, when it varies along everything and / or it seems that there is no uniform color
- D – diameter, if greater than 6 mm
- E – evolution, or changes in the mole.
Dr Sagar said: “This simple guide is used by skin specialists to help patients understand what they should look for.
“Checking these five points on your moles can help you stay up to date on any issues.
“But there is no substitute for having an appointment with a specialist, who will examine your skin and discuss any areas of concern.”
Non-melanoma skin cancer, diagnosed 147,000 times each year, looks different from melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), one of the most common forms, usually appears as a small mass of bright pink or pearly white with a translucent or waxy appearance, which may have some brown or black pigment inside. , says the NHS.
It may also look like a red, scaly spot.
The nucleus grows larger slowly and may become crusty, bleed, or become a painless ulcer.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the other non-melanoma most diagnosed, appears as a firm pink lump with a rough surface or bark.
The knot often feels tender when touched, bleeds easily, and can turn into an ulcer.