HOUSTON – As we get your summer skin checklist ready, you may be noticing those moles, skin tags and dark spots that will once again be exposed by shorts or swimsuits.
What are they, and should you have a doctor remove them?
If they bother you, dermatologists say you can remove them and they'll take about a week to heal. If you do that now to prep for summer, make sure to keep the newly exposed skin covered from the sun.
"Ideally for healing you want to keep Vaseline or a barrier product on the mole, keep it out of lakes, pools for at least a week. During the summertime keep it covered," Dr. Sherry Ingraham said. "So once it's starting to heal make sure to keep sunscreen on it."
Dark spots/ sun spots/ liver spots (whatever you prefer to call them) are more likely a combination of UV rays and pollution. Ingraham said they can be prevented with sunscreen, protective clothing and hats or discussing a vitamin C routine with your doctor.
If at any time you notice a rapid change: growth, color, it goes from flat to raised, or looks like it's spreading outward, consult a doctor right away.
If you're not monitoring them closely enough to notice a change, definitely see a dermatologist annually for a skin screening.
"Think about it as a tune-up. You bring your car in for its 10,000-mile inspection, you're bringing your body in for its inspection. It's a very quick exam. We look in every nook and cranny because we have found skin cancer in the toes, the nose, places you can't look, but patients I find really get peace of mind. Knowing that you've done something well, taking care of yourself. It really helps you sleep at night. So, make that appointment, get checked, knowledge is power," Ingraham said.
Keep in mind, some things may be best untouched. Since some of the bigger, healthy spots can scar after being removed, ask your doctor about that possibility before having everything snipped off
Download the American Academy of Dermatology’s body mole map for information on how to check your skin for the signs of skin cancer. Keep track of the spots on your skin and make note of any changes from year-to-year. If you notice a mole that is different from others, or that changes, itches or bleeds, you should make an appointment to see a dermatologist.