Wound care and Dermoscopy

Elizabeth Duke is a Nurse Practitioner wound specialist. Thanks to the Maine Cancer Foundation, she has been trained to use the dermlite dermascope to identify melanoma. When in doubt, get it checked out! 

This tool allows me to look at your skin lesion magnified x 10. I can use both polarized and nonpolarized light to fully examine the skin lesion and we can actually photograph the lesion for your medical record. This way, if the skin lesion is changing we can remove it. 

Detailed Explanation of Skin Lesion Red Flags:

• ABCDEs of Melanoma:

A is for Asymmetry: If you draw a line through the middle of a mole or spot, the two halves do not match.
B is for Border: Melanoma borders tend to be uneven or scalloped.
C is for Color: Multiple colors are a warning sign, while benign moles usually have a single shade.
D is for Diameter or Dark: A lesion larger than the size of a pencil eraser (6 mm or 1/4 inch) is a warning sign, but any lesion that is darker than others should also be checked.
E is for Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or elevation, or the appearance of new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting, is a red flag.

• Changes in Appearance:

New or changing spots, moles, or lumps: Any new growth or a change in size, shape, or color of an existing mole or spot should be evaluated.
Sores that don't heal: A sore that bleeds or crusts and doesn't heal within a few weeks is a potential red flag.
Rough or scaly red patches: These can be a sign of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
Pearly, translucent, or waxy bumps: These are often associated with basal cell carcinoma.
Areas that look like scars: These may also be a sign of basal cell carcinoma.

Other Red Flags:

Itching, tenderness, or pain around a lesion: These symptoms can accompany skin cancer.

Spread of color from the border of a spot: If a spot is spreading color to the surrounding skin, it should be checked.

Any abnormal growth on the skin: This could be a sign of skin cancer or other conditions.

Important Note: If you notice any of these red flags, it's important to see a healthcare provider such as Liz at Integrated Wellness, or dermatologist for a professional evaluation.