Warmer weather has arrived, which usually means spending more time outside in the sun. It is important to protect your skin from the harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays of the sun. UV radiation is the number one cause of skin cancer. Fortunately, most types of skin cancer are preventable or treatable if detected early. Here are three skin cancer prevention tips to keep your skin safe and healthy.
1) Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher anytime you are outdoors. This applies to all outdoor activities: even waiting for a bus includes sun exposure. Apply sunscreen liberally at least 20 minutes before you go outside and reapply at least every 2 hours; more often if you have been swimming or sweating. Make sure to cover often-missed spots including lips, ears, hands, and feet.
Even if you aren’t planning on being outside, it is important to use a lotion that contains sunscreen on a daily basis. The number one cause of skin aging is long-term exposure to sunlight.
2) Examining your skin regularly may help detect skin cancer early. Perform a self-check in a brightly lit room in front of a mirror. Note existing moles on your body and check for any changes in their appearance. It is helpful to have another person check for moles and spots in areas that you can’t see such as your back, shoulders, and scalp. Glamour magazine has a very useful skin check test that only takes a few minutes and could save your life:
3) Get a full-body exam by a dermatologist first so that you know which existing spots or moles are normal and if there are any that are suspicious looking. From there, you can begin doing regular self-checks as well as routine checks with a dermatologist. Also, be sure to visit a dermatologist if you have any new questionable spots or any that have recently changed. Skin cancer is more readily visible than other types of cancer which makes early detection easier.
If you are in Atlanta and have dermatology needs such as a suspicious mole to be checked, or if you are interested in starting your routine skin cancer prevention check, contact Dr. Alexander Gross at the Georgia Dermatology Center today. We offer a variety of advanced dermatology services and provide excellent care to many Atlanta metro patients in the Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Cumming areas.
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