Derm Dispatch: Advocating for Skin and Nail Health to Spread Melanoma Awareness

In the latest installment of Derm Dispatch for Dermatology Times, Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, spoke with Karolina Jasko, a melanoma survivor and advocate for skin health, highlighting the importance of melanoma awareness. Jasko's journey and her passion for spreading knowledge about skin cancer serve as reminders of the significance of early detection and regular dermatological check-ups.

A Unique and Unlikely Discovery

Jasko's melanoma diagnosis is a stark reminder that melanoma can manifest in ways one might not expect. Her story began with a routine visit to a nail salon during her high school years.

"I was in my last year of school," Jasko recalls, "and I had a little bit of knowledge in terms of what melanoma and skin cancer is because my mom actually had skin cancer. But I thought about it very much just in the sense of like moles that appear on your body."

Jasko never imagined that melanoma would appear in such an unusual location. It was during a nail appointment when the technician noticed a strange vertical black line underneath Jasko's thumb. Initially, it was brushed off as a bruise. However, over the following weeks, her nail became increasingly swollen and red.

"I went back to the nail salon because I thought it just got infected from there," Jasko says, explaining how she sought medical attention after the infection worsened. It was only then that she learned the cause of her symptoms: subungual melanoma.

"I definitely didn't think much of it at first," she shares. "But when the infection set in, I knew something wasn't right, and that's when I went to see a doctor."

A Key Moment for Early Detection

This unusual case of melanoma highlights the need for heightened awareness of the skin's health, not just for traditional skin markings like moles but also for more subtle and often overlooked symptoms. For Jasko, the experience led her to reflect on the importance of early skin exams. When asked about her own dermatological check-ups, she admitted, "I definitely was not [getting regular exams]. I think I went to the dermatologist, like my mom did take me, but I definitely didn't go regularly."

Jasko also highlighted a common issue many teenagers face: thinking that skin exams aren’t necessary until much later in life.

"We thought that I was still so young, it was hard to imagine that something would appear so early on," she recalled.

The Value of Regular Skin Exams

Block emphasized the importance of routine skin exams for everyone, especially those with a family history of melanoma or other skin cancers.

"Our skin is our largest organ," Block explained. "We have to take care of it. It is something that should be considered an annual visit, just as all these other appointments that we make sure to do."

"I think many people don’t think that a dermatologist should be considered a regular doctor," Jasko shared. "But I think we need to start realizing that... we have to take care of our skin."

Advocating for Skin Health in the Community

Now a passionate advocate for melanoma awareness, Jasko works to educate others about the importance of early detection and regular dermatology visits.

"I try to talk to people about my story and my experience," she said. "I think that makes my story a little bit different, having that extra layer of a family history."

Her advocacy focuses on spreading the message that skin health should not be neglected, especially in the face of increasing melanoma rates.

"It’s so important for us to be aware of all the different things that can come with our skin and be aware of how our bodies change," she added.