Spot your skin spots

Q: I hate to run to the dermatologist for every little weird thing that appears on my skin. How do you know when something is worth having the doctor take a look? -- Alex R., Denver

A: The smartest way to handle questions about your skin is to schedule a headto-toe (and between the toes) skin exam every year. Then, every two months, you want to stand naked in front of a full-length mirror and check for new spots or changes in old ones. Look at your front and back, and at your sides, forearms, underarms and back and front of hands. Then examine your neck and scalp (you might need help with this). Check your back and backside and legs, toes and soles of feet.

The most dangerous skin cancer is melanoma -- it usually affects an existing mole or appears as a new mole. Use ABCDE to look for signs.

Asymmetry: The shape of one half doesn’t match the other half.

Border: The edges are ragged or blurred.

Color: It’s red, brown, blue, black or even white, and the shades may be uneven.

Diameter: Usually about a quarter of an inch or larger; some can be smaller.

Evolution: It goes through changes in size, shape or color.

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are also cancers, but far more treatable if caught early. Basal cell carcinoma can be overlooked because it may appear to be a bleeding pimple, a red patch, a shiny pink growth or a scar. Squamous cell carcinoma looks like a scaly red bump or patch, or a wart.

Seborrheic keratoses and actinic keratoses are common, benign skin disruptions. Seborrheic keratoses are waxy brown, black or tan growths that have raised, rough surfaces. Actinic keratoses are rough, flat or slightly raised, and appear in different colors, such as red, tan, pink, skin-colored, brown or silver. You should have them looked at, since they can turn into squamous cell carcinoma. Now make that appointment with your dermatologist.