Don’t Ignore That Mole: Why Skin Checks Matter and When a Sunburn Becomes a Concern

Don’t Ignore That Mole: Why Skin Checks Matter and When a Sunburn Becomes a Concern

From riding bikes to relaxing at the beach to picking up pickleball, summer is a time to get outside and soak up the sun. With all the excitement and warm-weather fun, though, it’s easy to overlook small things like skin care. But paying attention to what’s happening on your skin – whether that’s a mole on your shoulder, a freckle that seems to have changed color, or a pesky sunburn – can be lifesaving.

From spotting the early signs of skin cancer to understanding when a sunburn is more than just uncomfortable, knowing what to look for (and when to act) is an important part of summer and an essential part of preventive health. So let’s talk a little bit about summer skin care, starting with skin checks.

The Importance of Regular Skin Checks

A skin check might sound like a minor appointment or a quick glance in the mirror, but it’s one of the most effective ways to catch skin cancer early. Skin checks involve a careful examination of the skin from head to toe, either by a healthcare provider or through a self-exam at home. It’s a pretty simple process to look for unusual or changing spots, moles, or patches.

Dermatologists recommend having a professional skin exam once a year, especially if you have risk factors like fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer.

Monthly self-exams can also help you spot changes early and get them evaluated before they become a bigger issue. The earlier skin cancer (particularly melanoma) is detected, the higher the chance of successful treatment. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for localized melanoma is greater than 99%.

Combining routine professional exams with regular self-checks is the best defense against skin cancer. So be vigilant when it comes to skin checks, and when something seems off, trust your instincts and get it looked at.

What to Look For: The ABCDEs of Moles

Part of early detection is knowing what to look for. Not all moles, for example, are dangerous. But some changes can signal the early stages of skin cancer. That’s where the ABCDEs of melanoma come in. These five warning signs are easy to remember and crucial to know:

•    A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
•    B – Border irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
•    C – Color variation: A mole with multiple colors or uneven shading.
•    D – Diameter: A spot larger than 6mm across (about the size of a pencil eraser).
•    E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or elevation, or new symptoms like bleeding or itching.

Use these criteria during monthly self-checks, and don’t forget to look at often-missed areas like the scalp, back, and the bottoms of your feet. And be sure to keep track of any moles or spots with photos or notes so you can share them with your doctor if changes occur.

When a Sunburn Should Raise Red Flags

We've all had a sunburn at some point. And while that pink or red skin feels like a temporary nuisance, it’s actually a sign of damaged skin cells, which can increase the risk of skin cancer over time. In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, just one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can double your chances of developing melanoma later in life. So, when should a sunburn be cause for concern? When it leads to:

•    Blistering or peeling skin
•    Extreme pain that interferes with daily activities
•    Fever, chills, or nausea, which can indicate sun poisoning
•    Burns that cover large areas of the body or continue to worsen after 24 hours

Repeated sunburns – especially in children and in people with lighter skin – cause cumulative damage. This damage builds silently over time and increases the risk not just of cancer but also premature aging and other skin problems. That’s why skin damage prevention is so important.

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

The good news is, most skin cancers are highly preventable with some simple steps. Whether you're heading out for a hike, a pool day, or just walking the dog, it’s important to make sun protection a daily habit:

•    Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.
•    Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
•    Seek shade during peak sunlight hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
•    Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
•    Avoid tanning beds, which expose your skin to concentrated UV radiation.

In addition to daily precautions, make skin checks a permanent part of your health routine. Schedule an annual visit with a dermatologist and perform monthly self-checks at home. They’re small actions that can make a big difference.

As your body’s largest organ, your skin is the first line of defense against the world. As such, it gives you clues when something isn’t right. Whether it’s a suspicious mole or a sunburn that seems a little too intense, don’t brush it off. Paying attention to your skin could quite literally save your life. So this summer and every season after, make skin awareness part of your wellness routine. It’s a simple, proactive step toward lifelong health.

Protect Your Skin, Protect Your Health
Notice a mole or a severe sunburn? Schedule a visit with your doctor—and know where to go if symptoms worsen.