Skin blemishes can be unsightly, and you might be self-conscious about them, especially since you might believe that blemishes are not normal for teenagers. However, this is not the case, and many teens start to notice blemishes and imperfections on their skin.
Although blemishes can be frustrating, they are usually nothing to worry about and might even fade over time. However, in some cases, they can be a sign of a more sinister condition. Then, here is a guide to the appropriate time to get skin blemishes checked out.
If They Hurt
You might not even notice that you have a skin blemish for a while because you have no other symptoms, especially if you are a teen who is prone to acne. However, if your blemish has started to cause you pain, it is vital that you get this checked out by a doctor.
A doctor might quiz you about any other symptoms that they have, and then might look at the blemish using specialist equipment. They might refer you to a specialist if they believe that your blemish is of concern, and they might remove the blemish and perform tests on it.
If They Grow
Skin blemishes might seem to appear out of nowhere. However, if you notice that they are still growing once they appear, it might be time to seek medical attention. This is especially the case if these blemishes are growing rapidly or unevenly, as this could be a sign of skin cancer.
Although the C-word can sound scary, and it is unlikely for teenagers to develop skin cancer, it is not impossible. The earlier you get checked, the less likely the cancer will have spread or will be difficult to treat. If you are worried that your blemish might be cancer, you should consider doing more research and seeking advice from Moffitt Cancer Center if you are based in Florida.
If They Change Color
You should also get any skin blemishes checked out if they change color, especially if they are dark and hard to cover up. Although blemishes can be a variety of colors without causing any problems, such as brown, red, and purple, a color-changing blemish might be cause for concern. This is even more so if your blemish is two or more colors.
If They Are Large
Even if you have had your skin blemish for a long time, you should get it checked out, or ask a parent to book an appointment for you, if it is large. Even if there is nothing wrong with your blemish yet, large blemishes can sometimes morph and develop into a cancerous lesion.
You must be aware of any large blemishes on your body, and you can do this by checking your body regularly, taking photos of your body, and creating a map of the moles and blemishes on it.
If They Suddenly Appear
It is normal to get more blemishes as you age, and you might notice new moles into your 30s. However, it can be worrying when blemishes suddenly appear without a cause or if they keep returning in the same spot, and you might not feel relaxed until you speak to someone about your blemish.
However, it is important to put your worry into perspective and realize that the hormonal changes that you experience during puberty can cause blemishes to appear.
