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N ot a m e m b e r ? J o i n at a s so c iate d h a i rp rofe s sio n a ls .c o m 41 care and use of sunscreen sprays are important for preventing skin damage that can lead to skin cancers. Main Types of Skin Cancers Actinic Keratoses Actinic keratoses are commonly called pre-cancers. These are areas of skin damage that appear as rough- feeling patches that are often red and irritated, and they sometimes feel prickly to the touch and may bleed. Actinic keratoses are generally seen on people who have other forms of obvious skin damage, such as severe wrinkling, sun-induced pigmentation issues, and other sun aging symptoms. They are most often seen on individuals with lighter skin, who are more susceptible to sun-related skin damage and frequently occur on the forehead, temple areas, and the scalp, especially in people with thin or balding hair. Basal Cell Carcinoma Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and is caused by cumulative sun exposure. These carcinomas appear as pearly-looking nodules (often flesh-toned), and they often get a crusty depressed area in the center of the lesion as they advance. Basal cell carcinomas rarely metastasize to other tissues, but can leave bad scars if not caught early. Squamous Cell Carcinoma More than one million people are diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in the United States each year, which are also caused by sun overexposure. These carcinomas appear as open sores, sometime crusting like a scab in the center of the lesion. They also can present as a red, scaly area that bleeds easily. They can appear on the face, scalp, hands, arms, or any area that has been routinely overexposed to sun. Malignant Melanoma Malignant melanoma is the most potentially deadly form of skin cancer that can metastasize quickly to other tissues or organs. Melanoma presents as change in the appearance of a mole, dark spot, birthmark, or other lesion. The Skin Cancer Foundation has a system for recognizing signs of melanoma known as the ABCDEs of melanoma: • Asymmetry of the moles or lesion (where one half of the lesion does not look like the other). • Borders of the lesion are uneven. • Color of the lesion is multi-colored. • Diameter is more than 6 millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser). • Evolving, where the lesion is changing in size or shape. For more information on skin cancer and photos of various lesions, search the Skin Care Foundation's website, at skincancer.org, or the Melanoma Research Foundation at melanoma.org. BE VIGILANT Developing a referral relationship with a dermatologist is a great service to your clients. The faster skin diseases are treated, the better chances of cure. Be vigilant in your observation of scalp issues, and educate your clients about proper sun care and the daily use of sunscreen. Be vigilant in your observation of scalp issues, and educate your clients about proper sun care and the daily use of sunscreen.