A TikTok user is highlighting the importance of skin vigilance and the necessity of checking any unusual skin marks or moles.
The 33-year-old single mother has been sharing her skin cancer journey on TikTok to help bring more awareness to this serious condition.
Rachel created a public service announcement on TikTok, explaining how what she thought was a minor mosquito bite turned into something much more severe.
It’s common to overlook small skin blemishes, or, as Rachel did, assume they’re harmless, like a bug bite.
Rachel emphasizes the need for individuals to be attentive to their bodies, recognize any changes, and take them seriously if something appears abnormal.
Her issue began with a small pink spot on her forehead, which eventually started bleeding.
“It was small, but it was painful,” Rachel mentioned, prompting her to consult a doctor due to her concerns.
Unfortunately, as often happens, the doctor downplayed her concerns, attributing it to an itchy mosquito bite that she may have scratched open.
Her doctor reportedly told her that she was too young to be at risk for skin cancer.
Rachel admits she occasionally used tanning beds and experienced sunburn as a child.
Despite the initial dismissal, Rachel sought a second medical opinion.
This led to a biopsy which confirmed she had basal cell carcinoma.
Basal cells are responsible for producing new skin cells, and this type of cancer develops in these cells.
After being diagnosed, Rachel underwent six weeks of painful treatment, resulting in what she described as a ‘burning hole on her forehead.’
Unsurprisingly, the experience has affected her mental health. She stated, “I think, mentally, it’s taking a toll, just having this on my forehead. Physically, it hurts and everything.”
As summer approaches, Rachel wants to emphasize the importance of using SPF and protecting one’s skin.
“I really think that people should get the shock value of how horrible this looks, so that it scares them into being careful with the sun,” she shared.
With many beauty products now including SPF, Rachel argues there’s ‘no excuse right now to lay out and get burned.’
She considers herself fortunate that her cancer was detected early.
“I hope this gruesome, gruesome area on my forehead is going to create some shock value so people are more careful in the sun.”
Basal cell carcinomas often develop on body parts that get significant sun exposure, such as the face, neck, scalp, and arms. However, they can appear elsewhere, so it is essential to monitor the entire body, including the nails for any new dark streaks.
These carcinomas are most likely to emerge on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, arms, and scalp, but can develop anywhere on the body.
It’s crucial to monitor any existing moles for changes in size, shape, or color, as these can be indicators of skin cancer.
Additionally, if a mole or new growth begins to bleed or does not heal, it may also signal skin cancer.
Remember to apply SPF this summer.