Most of us think of skin cancer as something you’d spot on, well… your skin. You might imagine a suspicious mole on your arm or a freckle that seems to get darker and bigger with time. And you’d be right—those are warning signs. But skin cancer doesn’t just limit itself to the obvious places.
Your body can send signals in unexpected ways. From your nails to your scalp and even your eyes, skin cancer can leave clues that aren’t always easy to see. The good news? Knowing these signs can make a huge difference in catching and treating skin cancer early.
This blog will walk you through the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways your nails, scalp, and eyes can reveal skin cancer. Stay with me—this might just save your life or the life of someone you care about.
What Exactly is Skin Cancer?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick recap. Skin cancer happens when skin cells grow abnormally due to damage, often from UV rays. There are three main types:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common and typically less aggressive.
- Melanoma, while rarer, is the deadliest form and can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated.
Early detection is key, which brings us to where we might find these warnings as we check for skin cancer.
Check Your Nails for Skin Cancer
You might not think about your nails very much, but they can say a lot about your overall health—skin cancer included. One sign to look for is dark vertical lines running down your nail.
Melanoma, in particular, can develop under your nails (a condition called subungual melanoma). It’s more common in people with darker skin tones but can affect anyone. Here’s how you can differentiate between a harmless mark and something worth a doctor visit:
- Be cautious of new or changing lines on your nails, especially if they’re dark or uneven.
- Spot any discoloration that spreads to the surrounding skin? Book an appointment with a dermatologist ASAP.
- Nails that crack, peel, or change shape could also indicate health issues, though not necessarily cancer. Still worth checking out!
Quick Tip
If you notice something off and aren’t sure, take a photo to document any changes over time. Sometimes it’s easier to catch progressions this way than just judging from memory.
Don’t Forget Your Scalp
Your scalp—unless you’re flaunting a bald look—is often covered by hair, making it easy to overlook. But think about it. Your scalp gets as much sun exposure as your face, and yet most people aren’t applying sunscreen there or inspecting it regularly.
What to watch for:
- A sore or bump that doesn’t heal.
- A patch of scaly skin that feels different from the rest of your scalp.
- Moles or lesions that itch, hurt, or bleed.
Since these signs often go unnoticed, regular scalp checks are crucial. Ask for help from a friend, family member, or your hairstylist (they’re already there looking, so why not?).
Fun Fact
Some salons now offer scalp check services as an add-on, so consider taking advantage of it for both style and health.
Your Eyes Can Show Warning Signs Too
Yes, your eyes aren’t off the hook either. Ocular melanoma is a very real, albeit rare, form of melanoma that develops in the cells producing pigment in your eye. Sadly, it’s often trickier to spot and diagnose than skin cancer on other parts of your body.
Potential symptoms include:
- A dark spot visible on the white of your eye or iris.
- Blurry vision, sudden loss of vision, or the sensation of “seeing flashes.”
- Discoloration around your eyes or eyelids.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, check in with an ophthalmologist. Routine eye exams can also help in detecting issues early—even those beyond cancer.
Why Regular Skin Checks Are Non-Negotiable
Checking your nails, scalp, and eyes for skin cancer might not seem like something you need to do regularly. After all, who really examines their scalp in the mirror during their morning routine? But skin cancer doesn’t wait for convenience—it thrives on us ignoring these lesser-known areas.
Here’s a quick checklist you can follow once a month:
- Start by checking your nails and looking underneath them for discoloration or abnormal lines.
- Use a mirror or ask for help to inspect your scalp for bumps, sores, or moles.
- Pay attention to your eyes—schedule routine eye exams and notice any sudden vision changes.
Taking just 5 minutes can lead to life-saving discoveries.
What To Do If You Spot Something Unusual?
If anything seems off—whether it’s a strange mark on your nail, a sore on your scalp, or a spot in your eye—don’t panic. Instead:
- Book an appointment with a dermatologist or ophthalmologist (depending on the concern).
- Mention any related symptoms or changes you’ve noticed.
- Follow through with professional advice, whether it’s a biopsy or some form of further monitoring.
Early detection and treatment can lead to a prognosis that’s much more in your favor.
Skin cancer gives us more than just one way to keep tabs on its activity—it’s up to us to pay attention. Your nails, scalp, and eyes might not always cross your mind when you think of checking for skin cancer, but as we’ve seen, they can provide vital early clues.
If you take anything away from this blog, it’s this—listen to what your body is trying to tell you. Make time for regular self-checks, schedule routine medical visits, and never hesitate to seek help if something doesn’t feel right.
Life’s too short for guesswork. Grab your mirror, check for signs, and stay one step ahead.
