sun exposure – Life on the Farmlet

Sometimes things happen and we feel as though we don’t want to talk about them. I really wasn’t intending to share this, but then thought,

If I do will it help someone else out there? Could my experience actually make a difference?

Perhaps, perhaps not, but on the small chance that it may help, I have decided to share.

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Recently I found what I thought was a scab on the top of my head. I tried to think what I could have bumped my head on, but came up blank. I didn’t give it another thought. Then, a month later I noticed the same scab and thought it was weird that it was still there, but was not overly concerned.

Maybe it’s a wart I told myself.

Three months later it is still there, and thinking it was psoriasis, or some form of creeping-crud, I made an appointment with my GP. She thought it was nothing much, but made me an appointment with the dermatologist.

I told the dermatologist how long it had been there, and that I thought it felt like a scab, but that it felt like it went deep into my scalp, and never went away.

He took one look at it and said,

It’s Skin Cancer

Apparently, this kind is a fast grower, but does not start out evil. Ignoring it will cause it to continue to morph into something awful that will command more intensive treatment and may cause serious harm. The following information is quoted directly from the American Academy of Dermatology.

actinic keratoses Symptoms

Most people who get AKs do not have any symptoms. They only notice changes to their skin. Symptoms can occur. A few symptoms to watch for are:

Rough-feeling patch on skin that cannot be seen.
Rough patch or growth that feels painful when rubbed.
Itching or burning.
Lips feel constantly dry.

(Clicking on this link will take you directly to the page for more information on Actinic Keratoses)

I have very fair skin and my hair is sparse on the top of my head. Hence as an adult I never work outside without a wide-brimmed hat. And while I have never been a sun worshiper, simply because I have always burned so easily, I have nevertheless had some extreme sun exposures in my youth. Knowing my predisposition, and as an adult taking all the precautions, I still have incurred skin damage. Hence this post and my encouragement to you to do the following:

No matter your skin type, please take care:

Limit sun exposure.
Wear your sun screen and a hat!
Don’t ignore changes in your skin’s appearance.
If you do notice changes in your skin, then go to the Doctor and get them checked.

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Thankfully, I got my condition checked early. I had an easy in office procedure and a sample was sent off to the lab. Because of this, I will most likely never have serious trouble.

The consequences of ignoring this condition could have been very serious.

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My friends, please be wise and stay healthy!

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