Protecting your skin during the summer, even when it’s cloudy, should become the first step in your beauty routine because skin cancer is on the rise. Although protection and prevention are your number one focus, paying extra attention to skin cancer symptoms and spotting potential signs can be vital. Remember, every tan or burn you get this summer is likely to increase your risk of skin cancer.

Here are 5 symptoms of skin cancer that you should watch out for:

1. Painful mole

If the mole suddenly begins to feel painful, itchy, and tender, this is not a good sign and should be checked by a doctor.

2. Change spots

If you have a new or changing brown spot, see a board-certified dermatologist to have it checked. It is normal for new brown spots to appear until age 30, but after that time, each new spot must be evaluated. Check if the mole looks the same on both sides, determine if it has jagged edges, check if the mole changes color or changes in size.

3. Continuous peeling

Cuts and crusts that do not heal for more than two weeks can be a problem. This may represent squamous cell carcinoma. Similar to basal cell carcinomas, they are rare, but can develop in younger patients, especially if there is a significant history of sunburn.

4. Strange bumps

Moles aren’t the only bumps you need to look for. If you have a new flesh-colored or pearly bump on the skin, it should be evaluated. It may be basal cell carcinoma. If you notice a new skin-colored or pink bump in a sun-exposed area, you should definitely see a dermatologist for an evaluation.

5. Scaly skin

Skin cancer can also appear as patchy skin. Pre-cancerous lesions called actinic keratoses appear as small, scaly, scaly patches on a red or pink base that can often be picked up with fingernails, but then come back in the same place. If not treated, it can turn into squamous cell carcinomas.

To protect your skin, always use an SPF cream and wear a hat and sunglasses.