Why is it important to check Your birthmarks?
If you were born with a birthmark, it might be more of a nuisance than anything else. When the mark is visible to others, you may feel you need to go to great lengths to cover it up and to hide it from the world. However, if it’s something that’s not visible to others, there may come a time when you barely even think of it. Or should you? Your doctor may recommend that you check your birthmarks from time to time, but why?
Checking your birthmarks is a part of a self skin examination and it has several benefits. First of all, if your skin with the birthmark is exposed to the sun regularly, you may be at a higher risk for skin cancer development. Since the spread of a melanoma may be disguised by a birthmark, you will need to check the color, the shape, and the texture of your birthmark for any changes. If there are changes, you should talk with your doctor to discuss whether they need to be assessed further.
In addition, there are some birthmarks which have a higher risk of developing skin cancers – like congenital melanocytic nevus. By taking a few minutes each week to check this type of birthmark for changes, you can assure yourself that nothing is changing for the worse.
You might also want to check your birthmarks for changes as these can also be signs of internal bruising and bleeding. Since the birthmark might be covering up serious injuries, if you notice any changes – especially after an injury – you will need to speak with your doctor.
Your birthmarks are a special part of who you are, but with this uniqueness comes responsibility. Though they are completely harmless in most cases, these marks can also be covering up a problem.
