It’s that time of year: The sun is shining and dermatologists are shouting about SPF from the rooftops. It’s critical to keep your skin shielded from harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer. And while routine skin checks are critical to make sure your spots are tracked by a trained eye, educating yourself about what to look for at home can also potentially save your life. If you’ve ever seen pictures of skin cancer, you know that some basal cell carcinomas and actinic keratoses (pre-cancers) can very closely mimic a pimple. “Skin cancer is our most common cancer—it’s more common than all cancers combined,” says New York dermatologist Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, president of the Skin Cancer Foundation. “But when caught early, it is usually curable, so you should always be on the lookout for it.” Here’s what to keep in mind.
Featured Expert
- Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York and president of the Skin Cancer Foundation
The Key Differences Between Skin Cancer and a Pimple
“When doing a self-exam at home, it’s possible that someone might be unsure if a spot is skin cancer or a blemish,” says Dr. Sarnoff. “Skin cancer and pimples can sometimes be difficult to distinguish if you are not a dermatologist. Nonetheless, there are some key things to consider: Pimples are usually red and inflamed, and they may be tender or even contain pus. Pimples also generally resolve within two weeks’ time. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, can look just like a pimple in some cases. However, a basal cell carcinoma will persist longer than two weeks. It may seem to come and go, but it never really resolves fully. It may even start to bleed. The bottom line: If you see any sort of spot that is new, changing or unusual that persists longer than two weeks, you should check it out with your dermatologist.”
Pictures of Skin Cancers and Pre-Cancers That Look Like Pimples
The Areas You May Forget to Check
“Skin cancer can and does appear anywhere,” says Dr. Sarnoff. “Some areas requiring sun protection that we sometimes forget about are our lips and ears. And don’t forget to check your scalp, where skin cancers can certainly occur. It’s difficult to examine your own scalp, but a helpful tip is to ask your hairdresser to look closely when your hair is wet. If they see anything unusual, they can point it out to you, and you can then get it checked with your dermatologist.”
How to Avoid a Bad Scar When Removing Skin Cancer on Your Face
According Dr. Sarnoff, Mohs surgery offers the highest skin-cancer cure rate: up to 99 percent for a skin cancer that has not been treated before. When removing a skin cancer from a delicate, highly visible place like your face, head or neck, it’s important to see a qualified Mohs surgeon who will take special care to avoid a bad scar. Not all dermatologists specialize in these procedures. “Mohs surgery is done in stages all in one visit, while the patient waits between each stage,” she explains. “After removing a layer of visible cancerous tissue, the surgeon examines it under a microscope in an on-site lab. If any cancer cells remain, the surgeon knows the exact area where they are and removes another layer of tissue from that precise location, while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. The doctor repeats this process until no cancer cells remain. For those patients who are not candidates for surgery, ultrasound-guided superficial radiation therapy is also an option.”
Why Sunscreen Is Vital for Healthy Skin
Dr. Sarnoff says she can’t emphasize it enough. “Skin cancer is serious and sun protection and early detection saves lives. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends regular skin exams and following a complete sun protection strategy that includes seeking shade, daily sunscreen use and covering up with clothing, hats and sunglasses. As president of the organization, I truly implore you to take this advice seriously and protect yourself.”
