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CARING FOR THE SKIN YOUR'RE IN
By. Dr. Mary Harris

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What kind of skin are you in? If you're African American, your ebony good looks may be marred by acne, moles, keloids and yes, melanoma, a lethal form of skin cancer.

Although Black skin is loaded with a large amount of melanin- the pigment producing substance that gives us color and provides some protection from the sun's damaging effects. However, it does not guarantee that we will not develop melanoma. A May, 2004 study conducted by the American Academy of Dermatologist destroys the myth that Blacks have nothing to fear from overexposure to the ultra violet rays of the sun. In fact, the study reports that once the disease has been diagnosed, African Americans have higher death rates from melanoma than other racial groups, including fair-skinned Whites. Skin cancer in Blacks may not appear on the areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. Unlike Whites whose cancers typically show up on the face, chest and back, melanomas in Blacks most often are found in mucous membranes of the mouth, genitals or nasal passages and between toes and fingers.

Blacks tend to not associate the appearance of unusual growths with cancer. Instead, we ignore them - a deadly mistake. With a 96% successful cure rate, skin cancer is one of the easiest cancers to treat when detected before it spreads to other parts of the body. Undetected, only about half of African Americans diagnosed with skin cancer survive the disease.

Keloids & moles
Keloids, a build up of scar tissue at the site of a wound or injury, are another barrier to unblemished skin for many Blacks. Keloids can be surgically removed, but if your skin tends to form these unsightly, raised scars, give extra thought before you head out to the tattoo or body-piercing salon. Keloids can form from only small cuts or wounds and tend to recur even after surgical removal.

Moles are unsightly growths caused by a virus that afflicts Black women, almost exclusively. Moles are not pretty but are harmless and can appear on the neck, face, chest and hands. Like keloids, moles can be surgically removed, usually by laser treatment; the good news is that once they are removed, they don't tend to grow back. However, here's a note of caution on moles. The American Academy of Dermatologists has important information on warning signs you need to pay attention to if changes occur with moles. Be sure you get this information and heed the advice that they give to protect yourself against problems that can occur if these warning signs are ignored.

"Ashy" skin is a condition all Black people are familiar with as most of us have childhood memories of our mother's loving hands covering our bodies with petroleum jelly or lotion to remove the appearance of dusty, flaky skin. "Ashiness" is nothing more than dry skin. A good moisturizer applied daily and especially after bathing, eliminates the condition.

The bottom line on the skin you're in is care. Inspect your entire body
frequently for unusual marks, growths or blemishes. If existing moles, scars or birthmarks change in size, shape or color, see your doctor immediately. These changes could be a sign of skin cancer. Pay special attention to the appearance of dark lines on, under or around you fingers and toenails. These changes may also signal skin cancer. Protect yourself when outdoors, winter, summer, spring or fall. Wear a hat or other head covering and clothing that protects you from the sun. Make the application of a sun block product with an SP (sun protection) rating of 15 or higher, part of your daily body care regimen.

More information about African American skin care can be found on the American Academy of Dermatologists' WEBSITE www.aad.org

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