The Importance of Skin Checks in 2021

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates 9,500 Americans receive a skin cancer diagnosis every day. Additionally, an estimated 3 million Americans are affected by skin cancer each year. The numbers highlight how important skin checks are in 2021 and beyond. A dermatologist in Levittown, Long Beach, Oceanside, NY can show people how to properly inspect their skin. At South Nassau Dermatology, our team of doctors and staff are ready to help.

Inspecting Your Skin

Since many people self-detect their own skin cancer, it's critical to inspect your skin regularly. Skin is the body's largest organ, so it requires special attention. Fortunately, it's easy to examine your skin. All you need is a well-lit room and a mirror.

Using your mirror, look at any age spots, moles, or freckles for five specific characteristics:

  • Asymmetry- If both sides of a mole or other spots on your body aren't symmetrical, it could signal potential problems
  • Border- If a mole or skin spot doesn't have smooth borders — but instead looks ragged or undefined — it's worth taking note and discussing it with your dermatologist in Levittown, Long Beach, Oceanside, NY.
  • Color- Moles and spots on your skin should be one solid color. A suspect mole typically has different colors or it looks two-toned.
  • Diameter- In most cases, a non-threatening mole is less than 6mm. Melanoma is usually the size of a typical pencil eraser or larger.
  • Evolution- Most moles and skin spots stay the same and don't change their appearance. Suspect moles do evolve and often change their complexion or grow larger.

If any of your moles, age spots, or freckles exhibit any of the above-listed characteristics, you schedule an appointment immediately with one of our doctors at South Nassau Dermatology. Also, if you have any sores on your body that heal but eventually re-open, it could signal a type of skin cancer known as basal cell carcinoma. This form of cancer mostly appears on your neck and face and will often bleed for no reason.

Skin checks in 2021 are as important as ever. In most cases, skin cancer is easily treatable if it's detected early. That is why you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Levittown, Long Beach, Oceanside, NY annually, at a minimum. Contact us at South Nassau Dermatology (516) 766-0345 in Oceanside, (516) 520-5280 in Levittown, or (516) 432-7124 in Long Beach to learn more about inspecting your skin and scheduling a comprehensive screening today.

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Long Beach Office Hours : 516-432-7124

Monday:

9:00 AM-7:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:30 AM-7:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:30 AM-6:00 PM

Thursday:

9:00 AM-6:00 PM

Friday:

9:00 AM-4:00 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Levittown Office Hours : 516-520-5280

Monday:

8:30 AM-7:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:30 PM-7:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:30 AM-7:00 PM

Thursday:

8:30 AM-7:00 PM

Friday:

9:00 AM-2:30 PM

Saturday:

8:00 AM-11:00 AM

Sunday:

Closed

Oceanside Office Hours : 516-766-0345

Monday:

8:30 AM-7:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:30 AM-7:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:30 AM-7:00 PM

Thursday:

8:30 AM-7:00 PM

Friday:

8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Saturday:

8:00 AM-11:00 AM

Sunday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM