What does a non-healing skin sore feel like with basal cell carcinoma?

Skin Sore That Does Not Heal is a very common presentation of Basal Cell Carcinoma. It may feel tender, irritated, itchy, or sensitive when touched. Some people notice a sore that crusts, bleeds after minor contact, or seems to heal and then reopen. Other lesions have little sensation and appear as a shiny or raised area.

Basal cell carcinoma often begins in sun-exposed skin, including the face, ears, scalp, neck, and hands. Its surface can be fragile, so a scab may recur after washing or light rubbing. A non-healing sore can also result from infection, injury, inflammation, or another skin problem. Only a trained clinician, sometimes with a biopsy, can identify the cause.

Do not pick or repeatedly cover the area with irritating products. Clean it gently, protect it from sunlight, and record when it started. Photograph it in consistent lighting and arrange a dermatology or primary-care review, particularly if it changes, bleeds, or reopens.

Seek prompt assessment for a sore that enlarges, becomes more painful, bleeds repeatedly, develops a firm edge, or affects the eyelid, nose, lip, or ear. Get urgent help for bleeding that will not stop with direct pressure, rapidly spreading redness, or fever.

Could this lesion need a biopsy? What features make basal cell carcinoma more or less likely on examination? How should I care for the surface before my appointment? What sun-protection measures should I use?