this sign on the arm that 90 % of people ignore

This harmless detail that can change everything

A grain of beauty that had never noticed. A stain that has always been there. A small lesion that is confused with a bite … and yet. For thousands of people, skin cancer begins like that: discreetly, on the forearm, the elbow or even the wrist. Areas often exposed to the sun, and rarely closely watched.

According to The National Cancer Institute (INCa)the number of new cases of skin cancer in France has More than doubled between 2012 and 2024reaching more than 110,000 cases per yearall types combined. THE skin melanomathe most feared, alone represents nearly 18,000 cases each yearwith an estimated mortality rate at 1,980 deaths in 2024. A majority of patients say they have ignored, minimized or confused the first visible signs.

Skin cancer: this discreet symptom that dermatologists always spot

Among the signs that pass under the radar, The small pale or light brown pink spot that does not itch, does not bleed, but does not disappear It remains one of the most frequent. She is typical of some basal carcinomasthe most common (but least aggressive) form of skin cancer.

A Study conducted in 2023 by the French Society of Dermatology shows that Nearly 9 out of 10 French people do not identify no way This type of lesion as a potential risk. Even more worrying: in people over 55lesions on the arms are often considered as “age marks” or “sun damage”, while it can be precancerous lesions (actinic keratosis) or beginner carcinomas.

The brasin particular theLeft forearm in driversis one of the areas most exposed to Asymmetrical UV radiation. A well documented phenomenon: a American study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that Over 55 % of skin cancers appear on body areas exposed during driving.

Good reflexes to detect early (and save your skin)

There is a simple method, validated by dermatologists, to monitor the visible signs on the skin: the ABCDE rule. It makes it possible to identify the most frequent anomalies linked to melanoma. Apply both on the arm and the rest of the body.

• A – Asymmetry : half of the stain does not look like the other.

• B – Bords : irregular, blurred or serrated.

• C – Color : Several different shades in the same lesion.

• D – Diameter : greater than 6 mm (the size of a pencil eraser).

• E – Evolution : change in size, shape or color over time.

But beware: carcinomas do not always respect this rule. They can take the form Little persistent crusts, firm nodulesor slightly squamous red platesespecially on the forearms or the back of the hands. All that does not heal in three weeks must be shown to a professional.

The arm, this underestimated area to protect on a daily basis

In August, the sun is at the zenith. And yet, Many people go out without protecting their armsjudging that they “have no sunburn”. Serious error. THE skin cancer does not only touch clear skin : All skin tones are affectedeven if the visible signs differ.

Dermatologists recommend:

• Apply a SPF 50 sunscreen on the arms from the first exhibitions, even in town;

• to wear covering and light clothesespecially if you work or drive in full sun;

• to monitor any stain or new lesion (even without pain or discomfort);

• to consult in teledermatology As soon as a doubt appears, even minimal.

In 2025, dermatological monitoring applications and teleconsultation services made it possible to Early detect more than 10,000 suspicious lesionsaccording to data from Public health France. A now vital reflex.