A dermatologist and medical oncologist recommend self-skin checks and keeping an eye on these unexpected symptoms that could indicate cancer, infection or other issues.
Our skin is exposed to a lot. As the body’s largest organ, it’s the front-line protector for many harmful elements we encounter daily – things like bacteria, toxins, extreme temperatures and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Because the skin takes the brunt of these elements, it’s susceptible to damage. Most dermatological complications are minor and easily treatable, but there are some sneaky symptoms that can indicate a much larger – sometimes cancerous – problem. Read on for symptoms dermatologist Dr. Sarah Beggs and medical oncologist Dr. Rino S. Seedor cautions their patients not to ever ignore.
Unexpected Symptoms You Should Address
- Severe sunburn/blistering – When sunburn causes blisters – fluid-filled bumps – it indicates a second-degree burn known as sun poisoning. This may be accompanied by systemic symptoms, such as fevers, chills, fatigue and nausea. Sun poisoning can increase the risk for premature aging and skin cancer.
- Rough patches – Rough, red, patchy skin is often thought to be eczema. However, when it doesn’t improve with typical eczema treatment, it could be an early sign of squamous cell skin cancer.
- Returning moles – When a benign (noncancerous) mole grows back after removal, it typically means mole cells were left behind. It’s more concerning when moles grow back beyond the scar line.
- Nail streaks – A brownish or blackish streak on the nail may be caused by certain medications, trauma, infection, a mole in the nail bed or skin cancer. Streaks from trauma will grow out with the nail; if they don’t go away with time, get them checked out.
- Bleeding lesions/wounds that won’t heal – From a seemingly small cut to an open wound, anything that bleeds, seeps and won’t heal with at-home care needs medical attention. Open wounds make you susceptible to bacterial or fungal infection, and some may indicate aggressive melanoma.
- Painful pimples or boils – Not all acne is normal. Cystic acne refers to pimples that occur deeper in the skin; they become filled with pus, painful, red, and can cause depressions, grooves and scars. People who are prone to cystic acne may require oral medication.
- Red, itchy and oozing skin – Often signs of contact dermatitis (an allergic reaction), this can occur immediately or days after coming into contact with an allergen, and symptoms range in severity. Proper cleansing; cold compresses; a topical corticosteroid, such as hydrocortisone; and avoidance of the allergen can relieve symptoms and help heal a mild reaction. When symptoms are severe and untreated, they can lead to other complications, such as open wounds, infections and permanent scarring.
- Red, swollen and painful skin – When these symptoms appear around an opening in the skin, it may indicate infection, or cellulitis. Early cases are easily treatable with antibiotics; more emergent cases may cause systemic symptoms, such as fever and chills. Cellulitis should never go untreated, as it could be fatal.
