Redheads, Do You Know Your ABCDEs?

Redheads need to be very careful when it comes to protecting their skin from the harmful sun rays. This picture was taken with a special UV camera. It is able to show the sun damage that has accumulated and will eventually begin to appear on her face over time. The AAD is aiming to prove that you may like the tan color short-term, but once you accumulate the sun damage, it’s yours permanently. Not worth it! We spoke with Dr. Jennifer Lee of REN Dermatology in Franklin, Tenn., a Board-certified Dermatologist and Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, who specializes in the diagnosis and management of skin diseases.

“Melanoma usually appears in the form of a mole or discoloration in the skin,” says Dr. Lee. “The ABCDEs of melanoma serve as a guide when performing a self-exam and are vital to catch melanoma in its earliest stages.”

If you see signs that any of these characteristics are present when checking your skin, it is extremely important to see your dermatologist immediately. If caught early, melanoma is almost always curable, but if left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body where it can advance and become difficult to treat.

-A for assymmetry. “If you draw a line through a mole and the halves do not match.”

-B for border. “If the borders around a mole are uneven, such as scalloped or notched.”

-C for color. “If a mole contains a variety of different colors, or becomes red, blue or a color other than brown, tan or black.”

-D for diameter. “Melanoma is usually larger than the size of a pencil eraser (1/4 inch or 6 mm). However, they can be smaller when first detected.”

-E for evolving. “If you notice any change in size, shape, color, elevation or another trait. Also, if you notice any new symptom, such as bleeding, itching or crusting.”

Keep your skin protected & Rock it like a Redhead!