Skin cancer, a widespread and potentially deadly disease, affects millions across the globe. While we’re often clued-up about typical symptoms like mole variations or skin color changes, some odd signs often slip under our radar. Spotting these irregular symptoms is key to early diagnosis and swift treatment. Let’s take a look at seven lesser-known symptoms of skin cancer that everyone needs to be aware of.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore
Here are some of the unusual signs and symptoms of skin cancer that shouldn’t be missed:
Itchiness
An often overlooked symptom of skin cancer is continuous itchiness or pruritus. Itchy skin could be due to various conditions such as eczema or allergies, but if the itchy area is localized and non-responsive to typical treatments, it may indicate skin cancer. If you’re experiencing itchiness that just won’t go away, it’s time to seek a detailed evaluation from a dermatologist.
Waxy Appearance In Skin
Another unusual symptom is the appearance of a waxy or shiny skin patch. This symptom commonly points towards basal cell carcinoma, a widely seen skin cancer variant. The patch may look smooth, shiny, and see-through, much like a wax-like texture. Noticeable changes in skin texture, especially alongside other symptoms, should be checked out without delay by a health professional.
Nail Abnormalities In Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can also present itself through peculiar nail changes, like color, shape, or texture variations. Subungual melanoma, a skin cancer variant impacting the nail bed, can create dark streaks or discolorations in your nails. The nails might also get brittle, crumble, or deform in shape. Any unusual variations in the nails need immediate medical examination to rule out potential dangerous conditions.
Extreme Tiredness And Fatigue
While everyone experiences fatigue, constant and unexplained tiredness could sometimes be a red flag for serious health issues, including skin cancer. Tiredness related to skin cancer may be a result of your body’s immune system fighting the cancer cells. If fatigue comes with other alarming symptoms, schedule a full medical check-up soon.
Unusual Hair Loss Due To Skin Cancer
Quick and unexplained hair loss without regular causes like hormonal changes or alopecia can be associated with skin cancer at times. Skin cancer, when it affects the scalp or other skin areas, can disrupt hair follicles which leads to sudden hair loss. Any rapid changes in hair thickness or texture must be looked into by a health expert to rule out potential dangers.
Be wary of the above-mentioned 5 unusual signs and symptoms of skin cancer and be cautious about their extremities. Make sure to visit a doctor as and when they show up.