Shelly Carpenter began her career with Pariser Dermatology in 1984 as a Dermatology Technician where she gained firsthand knowledge through hands-on experience with patients. Through her outreach speaking program, Shelly has educated over 30,000 people on ways to minimize the chances of getting skin cancer and how to perform a monthly self-examination. People who have attended her events walk away with vital information they need in order to protect their skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure. Hearing her message has actually saved lives!
One of the the many take-a-ways from Shelly’s lectures is that you’ll know what to look for when you examine the moles and “spots” on your skin. We call them the “ABCDEs of Melanoma”. You can identify spots that need to be checked by a dermatologist by looking at the following:
- Asymmetry: Melanoma lesions are often irregular – one half looks different than the other half.
- Border: Typically, non-cancerous moles have smooth, even borders. Melanoma lesions usually have irregular borders that are difficult to define.
- Color: The presence of more than one color or the uneven distribution of color can sometimes be a warning sign of melanoma.
- Diameter: Melanoma lesions are often greater than 6 millimeters in diameter – about the size of a pencil eraser.
- Evolution: If a mole has gone through recent changes in color and/or size, bring it to the attention of a dermatologist right away.
If you are part of a group, business or organization and would like to schedule a skin care presentation by Shelly, please call 757-461-7755 or email Shelly at scarpenter@pariserderm.com.
