As the name suggests, skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells that generally develops in areas that are exposed to the sun.
While it makes sense that skin cancer crops up on exposed areas but that doesn’t mean that other areas cannot develop suspicious spots or growth. While exposure to ultraviolet rays is a major factor, there are other factors such as age, genetics and family history, immune system health, and environmental factors that can lead to skin cancer.
Here are the areas of the body you never thought skin cancer could crop.
Scalp
Even though you apply sunscreen all over your face, it can be difficult to slather it all over your scalp unless you are bald. Hair alone cannot protect your scalp, especially if you have light-coloured hair. Experts believe that skin cancer hides in between the lines of your scalp. One way to protect your scalp from the harmful UV rays is to wear a hat that covers your head completely, reducing your chances of developing skin cancer. You can also opt for sunscreen spray so that it penetrates the scalp.
Palms And Soles
Palms And Soles Some of the most overlooked areas when it comes to skin cancer is the palm of your hands and the soles of your feet. Of course, the top of your hands and feet are more exposed to the sun, but that doesn’t make your insides immune to the risk of skin cancer. Even though this is a rare condition that affects people of colour, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist. Pay attention to any changes in the colour of the skin around that area.
Nails
Acral lentiginous melanoma forms on the toenails and can cause your finger and toenails to have a new or changing dark colour. They can also be a good hiding spot for squamous cell carcinoma that manifests as red, rough, or thick spots on the skin, can also hide in them. In this situation, however, sun exposure is not the sole factor; heredity and injuries also play a role in the development of the disorder.
Eyelids
According to the British Journal of Ophthalmology, ten per cent of skin cancers are found in the eyelids. Even if you don’t notice, eyelids get a lot of sun exposure and often ignored when you apply sunscreen on the face. So, bless your eyelids with some sunscreen the next time you apply it to your face. You can also wear sunglasses and a hat whenever you are out in the sun.
Genitals
Believe it or not, sun exposure is not the only factor that leads to skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinomas can affect your nether region, which is thought to be related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It is often undetected unless you are regularly checking the area for new developments or unwanted growth. The best way to mitigate the risk of HPV-related cancers is to practice safe *** and talk to your doctor for a possible vaccine.
The most common early sign of skin cancer is a change in the skin or a lesion such as a beauty spot, freckle or mole. Years of UV-exposure causes sun damage to the skin and with that your skin will change as you grow older. But as aging skin will always change, not all changes are signs of skin cancer.