Paints: When to worry?

Who has no pints? These colorful skin lesions have always called attention to their possible transformation into skin cancer. Even more so these days, with the sun getting stronger, by reducing the ozone layer.

But when do we really need to worry? Are all spots dangerous? No. In fact, few are. However, the potentiality of a skin cancer must be taken seriously.

There are three most common types of skin cancer. The most common, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), is a cancer that does not metastasize (formation of a new lesion from another). However, it grows and gradually invades the skin. It does not come from nevus (pints). It is a lesion that appears on the skin, usually reddish, with irregular edges, slightly hardened and clear (pearlescent).

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer. It can metastasize. It is also an irregular lesion, reddish, but without the pearly edges. It also does not follow from a pint.

Melanoma is the third most common skin cancer. It can evolve from a pint, especially dysplastic nevus. It can metastasize by blood or ganglia and is very aggressive.

The diagnosis should be early, to allow time to cure it. It usually presents as a dark, asymmetrical lesion with uneven edges and coloration of different shades. Every spot that changes its characteristic (eg color or grows or itches or bleeds) should be promptly examined by a dermatologist and if necessary removed by the plastic surgeon.

Didactically the ABCD rule can help us identify a melanoma:

• THE: Lesion asymmetry (symmetrical, rounded lesions are usually benign)
• B: Jagged edges
• W: Coloring of more than one shade, not homogeneous
• D: Dimension greater than 6mm or size change.

To prevent the onset of skin cancer, it is essential to avoid excessive sun exposure, use sunscreen frequently (every 4 hours, factor 15 or more) to avoid smoking.

As the genetic factor is important, family members with family affairs should redouble care and periodic follow-up with the dermatologist.

Colour Chemistry E13: How toxic are watercolour paints really? Do I need to worry much about this? (April 2024)