Types of skin Cancer
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells. It most often develops on areas of the skin exposed to the sun’s rays. Skin cancer affects people of all colors and races, although those with light skin who sunburn easily have a higher risk.
#1. What does skin cancer look like?
Actinic Keratoses (AK)
These dry, scaly patches or spots are precancerous growths.
• People who get AKs usually have fair skin.
• Most people see their first AKs after 40 years of age because AKs tend to develop after years of sun exposure.
• AKs usually form on the skin that gets lots of sun exposure, such as the head, neck, hands, and forearms.
• Because an AK can progress to a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), treatment is important.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
This is the most common type of skin cancer.
• BCCs frequently develop in people who have fair skin, yet they can occur in people with darker skin.
• BCCs look like a flesh-colored, pearl-like bump or a pinkish patch of skin.
• BCCs develop after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning.
• BCC are common on the head, neck, and arms, yet can form anywhere on the body, including the chest, abdomen, and legs.
• Early diagnosis and treatment for BCC is important. BCC can invade the surrounding tissue and grow into the nerves and bones, causing damage and disfigurement.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
• Melanoma frequently develops in a mole or suddenly appears as a new dark spot on the skin.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
• Knowing the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma can help you find an early melanoma.
#2. What causes our skin to age?
Many things cause our skin to age. Some things we cannot do anything about; others we can influence.
One thing that we cannot change is the natural aging process. It plays a key role. With time, we all get visible lines on our face. It is natural for our face to lose some of its youthful fullness. We notice our skin becoming thinner and drier. Our genes largely control when these changes occur. The medical term for this type of aging is “intrinsic aging.”
We can influence another type of aging that affects our skin. Our environment and lifestyle choices can cause our skin to age prematurely. The medical term for this type of aging is “extrinsic aging.” By taking some preventive actions, we can slow the effects that this type of aging has on our skin.
Hair roots are very sensitive to bodily changes. Thus anything going wrong in the body leads to hair fall. Your hair needs protection and care. An unhealthy diet, chemicals, products, can leave you with lifeless hair.
