Skin Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know About Melanoma

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the most common type of cancer in the United States—skin cancer. Among the various types, melanoma is the most dangerous due to its ability to spread to other parts of the body if not detected early. The good news? With education, early detection, and proactive skin care, skin cancer—including melanoma—is often preventable and highly treatable.

Understanding Melanoma

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment (melanin) in your skin. Unlike other forms of skin cancer, melanoma is more likely to grow quickly and metastasize if left untreated. While it accounts for only about 1% of skin cancer cases, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 100,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed this year in the U.S. alone. These numbers highlight the importance of awareness, education, and early detection.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

Early detection starts with knowing what to look for. Dermatologists and dermatology providers use the ABCDE rule to help identify the warning signs of melanoma:

A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole or spot doesn’t match the other.
B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
C – Color: Uneven color or multiple shades—brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue.
D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
E – Evolving: The spot changes in size, shape, color, or begins to bleed or itch.

If a mole or skin lesion exhibits one or more of these features, it’s time to get it checked.

How to Spot Something Suspicious

Performing regular self-examinations can help catch skin changes early. Here’s how:

Check your entire body in a well-lit room, using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas.
Don’t forget often-overlooked spots like the scalp, behind the ears, the soles of your feet, and between your toes.
Look for any new moles or growths, or changes in existing ones using the ABCDEs.

Perform these checks monthly, and document anything suspicious with photos so you can track changes over time.

When It’s Time to See a Dermatologist

It’s important to see a dermatologist or dermatology provider immediately if you notice:

A mole or spot that’s new or changing
A sore that doesn’t heal
A lesion that itches, bleeds, or becomes tender

Dermatology providers can perform a thorough skin check and, if necessary, take a biopsy to determine if the lesion is cancerous. Regular check-ins with a dermatology provider are crucial for anyone at increased risk, including those with fair skin, a family history of melanoma, or excessive sun exposure.

Importance of Annual Skin Exams

While self-exams are valuable, they’re not a substitute for professional evaluations. Annual skin exams with a dermatologist can detect skin cancer in its earliest stages—when it’s most treatable. These exams also give patients an opportunity to learn about their specific skin type, personalized sun protection strategies, and skin cancer prevention.

Skin cancer, especially melanoma, can be life-threatening—but it’s also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early. During Skin Cancer Awareness Month and all year long, we encourage everyone to:

Learn the ABCDEs of melanoma
Perform monthly self-skin checks
Book an annual skin exam with a board-certified dermatologist

Early detection saves lives. Don’t wait—schedule your skin cancer screening today.

Here’s a closer look at how allergies impact your skin and what you can do to protect it this spring.

Common Skin Issues Caused by Seasonal Allergies

Hives
Hives (urticaria) are red, raised, and itchy welts that can appear when your skin reacts to allergens. They can be triggered by direct contact with pollen, grass, or airborne allergens, or even by internal allergic reactions, such as to foods or medications.

Eczema Flare-Ups
For those with eczema, spring allergens can worsen symptoms, causing dry, itchy patches of skin. The body’s immune response to allergens can heighten inflammation, making eczema harder to manage.

Contact Dermatitis
Exposure to plants, like poison ivy or oak, as well as other irritants in the environment, can lead to red, itchy, or blistering rashes on the skin.

Itchy, Puffy Skin
Allergens can also irritate the delicate skin around the eyes and face, causing puffiness, redness, and discomfort. This is especially common in individuals prone to hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

Dermatologist-Approved Remedies for Allergy-Related Skin Irritations

1. Limit Exposure to Allergens

- Keep windows closed during peak pollen hours (morning and early evening).
- Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
- Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your home to trap airborne allergens.

2. Soothe Itchy Skin with Gentle Cleansers and Moisturizers

- Use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cleansers to wash your skin.
- Apply a rich, soothing moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and reduce inflammation. Look for products with ceramides or colloidal oatmeal.

3. Try Over-the-Counter Remedies

- Antihistamines: Oral antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine can help reduce itching and swelling caused by hives.
- Hydrocortisone Cream: A mild corticosteroid can soothe localized rashes or irritation.

4. Use Cold Compresses
For quick relief from swelling and itching, apply a clean, cool compress to the affected areas for 10–15 minutes.

5. Consider Barrier Creams
If you’re gardening or spending time outdoors, apply a protective barrier cream to exposed areas to reduce contact with irritants like pollen or plants.

6. When to Seek Professional Help
If your skin reactions are severe, persistent, or not responding to at-home treatments, consult a dermatologist. Prescription-strength corticosteroids, antihistamines, or other medications may be needed to control symptoms effectively.

Prevention Is Key

The best way to manage allergy-induced skin issues is to stay proactive:

Keep a diary of flare-ups to identify triggers.
Wear loose, breathable clothing when outdoors.
Avoid scratching, as it can worsen irritation or lead to infection.

Take Control of Your Skin This Allergy Season

Allergies may be a natural part of spring, but they don’t have to take a toll on your skin. With a few preventative measures and the right skincare routine, you can enjoy the season without discomfort.

If you’re struggling with allergy-related skin concerns, our dermatology team is here to help. Book an appointment today and let us create a personalized plan to keep your skin healthy and irritation-free this spring!

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