Have you taken a close look at your skin lately? A mark that seems slightly darker or a blemish that wasn’t there before can be an early indicator of skin cancer.
During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, taking a few minutes to check your skin can give you a better sense of what’s normal for you. At Amory Urgent Care, we make it simple to get a troubling spot evaluated without the long wait.
If a mole or something like it catches your eye and you’re not sure what to make of it, we’re here to help.
What makes a mole suspicious?
Sometimes the clearest sign that something is off is that a mole simply looks different from the rest. Experts often refer to this as the “ugly duckling” sign, meaning one spot stands apart from others on your skin.
The Skin Cancer Foundation advises that you check your entire body for new or unusual spots, including those not exposed to the sun. When looking at your skin, pay attention to:
- Spots that don’t match your other moles
- Variations that happen over a few weeks or months
- Areas that itch, bleed or don’t heal
- New growths or those that weren’t previously visible
These symptoms don’t guarantee cancer, but they certainly warrant an evaluation at Amory Urgent Care.
How urgent care can help evaluate skin concerns
A specialist appointment isn’t required to get a troubling spot checked. At Amory Urgent Care, we can assess many skin concerns on a walk-in basis, which can be helpful when something new catches your attention.
After you get here, we’ll ask for details on the location and any observed changes prior to carrying out our own detailed inspection. We’re looking for things like irregular borders, uneven coloring or how long it’s been there.
After we finish the evaluation, we’ll explain our findings. Sometimes, all that’s needed is a little comfort and advice on potential issues, but if you do need a specialist, we can handle your referral as well.
Our constant aim is to ensure you have the clarity necessary to advance with confidence.
When you notice something new on your skin
Checking your skin regularly can help you catch changes early, but knowing what those changes mean is another matter. Without a medical eye, it’s hard to know what to make of a spot that looks a little different or a mark you haven’t seen before.
If you do check your skin at home, make it about awareness and not about self-diagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society, a self-exam is mainly about learning your normal pattern so you can notice changes and bring them to a provider’s attention.
At Amory Urgent Care, we’re here to help you make sense of what you’re seeing. Sometimes, a quick trip can resolve issues that are hard to figure out on your own, especially when you’re not sure how serious the problem could be.
When an emergency room visit might come up
Urgent care can examine many skin concerns, particularly new or changing moles. Severe symptoms like significant bleeding or rapid swelling may require more advanced care.
If that happens, we can direct you to the emergency room or a specialist.
Get answers to changes in your skin
While Skin Cancer Awareness Month is a good time to check your skin, it’s best to stay vigilant year-round. Taking a proactive approach to your health involves noticing changes and making adjustments when required.
Amory Urgent Care can provide help if something captures your attention. We’re open seven days a week and accept most major insurance plans, with options available for those without coverage. You can walk in or reserve a spot in line to reduce your wait time.
Step into Amory Urgent Care or reserve your spot online for a shorter wait time. You don’t need an appointment to come in.