Montana summers are made for being outside. Days on Flathead Lake, hiking, camping, gardening, and afternoons in the backyard can also mean months of accumulated ultraviolet (UV) exposure.
As summer winds down, it’s a good time to take a closer look at your skin.
What Does Sun Damage Look Like?
A tan or sunburn may fade, but UV exposure can damage skin cells. Most skin cancers are caused by excessive UV exposure, and sun protection remains important throughout the year—not just during summer.
When checking your skin, watch for:
- New or changing moles
- Spots that look different from the others
- Growths that itch, bleed, crust, or don’t heal
- Changes in a mole’s size, shape, border, or color
- Persistent rough or scaly patches
Anyone can develop skin cancer, although factors including a history of sunburns, numerous moles, family history, personal history of skin cancer, and cumulative UV exposure can increase risk.
How to Perform a Skin Self-Exam
Take a few minutes to examine your skin from head to toe in good lighting. A full-length mirror and hand mirror can help you see your back, scalp, neck, and other hard-to-see areas.
Don’t forget your:
- Scalp and behind your ears
- Back and shoulders
- Underarms
- Hands and fingernails
- Legs and feet
- Soles and spaces between your toes
The American Academy of Dermatology provides a helpful guide to performing a skin self-exam and recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist if you find a spot that is changing, itching, bleeding, or noticeably different from the others.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
You don’t need to diagnose a suspicious spot yourself. If something on your skin is new, changing, or simply doesn’t look right to you, it’s worth having it evaluated.
At Dermatology Associates, our providers diagnose and treat skin conditions ranging from common rashes to skin cancer and provide care throughout Northwest Montana.
As summer wraps up, consider adding a skin check to your end-of-season routine.
What Should I Do Next? Visit the Dermatology Associates medical dermatology page or contact our team to schedule an appointment.
