Skincare and Skin Cancer

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Many people will first take notice when they hear about Melanoma Monday which is May 2nd and the first Monday of the month. Sadly, melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. We’re always talking about foot health and prevention here, and it is very important to consider our skin.

For the doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center, feeling comfortable about the skin you are in starts with knowing it well. We recommend daily foot inspections so that you feel more confident about changes. Skin cancer signs are often visible, so we want to equip you to not miss changes that can have a life-changing effect.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation and its The Big See campaign, here are three things to include on your inspection list. They want you to focus on these three words: new, changing, and unusual.

Something is new

Have you noticed something new on your foot or even around your ankle? Newness is a reason to contact your doctor. The Skin Cancer Foundation highlights that new moles or spots, especially after 21, are worth a second look.

  • Inspect your feet daily

  • Perform a head-to-toe skin check monthly

  • Trust your gut

Something is changing

Change can be good, but not when it comes to our skin. We want to know about changes to moles or blemishes. Look for differences in shape, size, color, and texture. It’s never too early to talk with your doctor.

  • No change is too small

  • Regular checks make it easier to spot changes

  • Take pictures and bring them to your appointment

Something is unusual

Does a portion of your skin hurt? Is a mole bleeding, or is there an unusual outline? Trust your experience with your body and alert your doctor to things you may consider unusual. If something persists for more than three weeks, we want to know.

  • Talk with your family members about their skin history

  • Ask a loved one to help you check your skin regularly

  • Avoid delaying your visit

Skin cancer is among the most diagnosed forms of cancer. It is also preventable and has positive outcomes with early detection. We hope you include the skin on your feet and ankles in the conversation.

Our board-certified team of foot and ankle  doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center has experience with addressing foot needs, including bunions and hammertoes, pediatric foot care, custom orthotics, heel pain, diabetic foot care, and more. The team includes Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, and Dr. Laura Vander Poel. We have two locations in Hartford County: 1379 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT, and 1350 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.

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