Skin Cancer Prevention Tips
With summer approaching, it’s the best time to remember how to check for skin cancers. Taking care of your skin might be the most important thing you do all summer. Skin cancer is amazingly prevalent; one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
No matter what your skin color, you have to check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer. The first place to check is any area that is sun-exposed: your face, neck, ears, hands and your back and legs if you're at the beach. Don't forget your arm if you hang it out the window while you're driving. Balding men should check their scalps - even the skin exposed by the part in your hair.
Types of Skin Cancer
The most common skin cancers are squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas. When caught early and treated, they rarely cause further problems. They are not always easy to detect, but if you have any kind of abnormality on your skin that doesn't go away within two weeks to a month, you should go to the doctor to get it checked.
The more serious form of skin cancer is melanoma. Melanomas are often found on skin that is newly exposed to the sun like the back or back of legs.
Signs of Cancer
To determine if an unusual mole is a type of skin cancer, you can follow the A-B-C-D-E guideline developed by the American Academy of Dermatology:
A is for asymmetrical shape. Look for moles with irregular shapes.
B is for irregular border, meaning that the mole has indentations and cauliflower-like borders.
C is for changes in color. If the mole is more than one color or is uneven in its shading.
D is for diameter. Look for new growth in a mole larger than about 1/4 inch - think a pencil eraser.
E is for evolving. Look for changes over time, such as moles that grow in size or that change color or shape, or if they itch or bleed.
Safe Sun Behavior
Your first line of defense against skin cancer is to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Don't forget to put it on for at least a half hour before going out in the sun, and reapply it every two hours - even more frequently if you've been sweating or swimming.
If you can avoid being in the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when rays are strongest, you'll also cut back on your risk.
SCHEDULE YOUR SKIN CONSULTATION AT FOUNDATIONS AT MAITLAND
At Foundations at Maitland, in Maitland FL, we offer a full range of non-surgical treatments to help you reach your aesthetic, wellness, and sexual goals. Our providers are highly trained and experienced. We are led by our double-board certified surgeon, Dr Kristin Jackson, who has personally developed all treatment protocols and is closely involved in the day-to-day operations of our medical spa. With her extensive training in all non-surgical cosmetic treatments as well as over 20 years of surgical experience, Dr Jackson is uniquely qualified to ensure our medical spa provides you with the highest standards of quality care and safety.
If you are looking for skin care doctors near you, we can help! Contact us today for your complimentary consultation!
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