Know how to prevent skin cancer all year around.
Summer is slowly coming to an end, but the sun is still blaring outside which means you need to protect your skin. Ultralight radiation (UV rays) is found in sunlight, and constant exposure can cause melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, over 178,500 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States this year. If diagnosed and treated early, it can be easily curable, but if not, it can spread to other parts of the body increasing the chance of it being fatal. So, it is extremely important that you learn how to prevent skin cancer, especially when you are outside in the sun.
Sunscreen Is A Must
When going outside for an extended period of time, even if it is cloudy, you need to apply sunscreen to all exposed parts of your body. Make sure you are using at least a SPF 30 broad-spectrum and water-resistant sunscreen, especially if you are going swimming. Broad spectrum sunscreen ensures protection from UVA and UVB rays. You want to apply at least one ounce of sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours. You want reapply frequently if you are going swimming or sweat excessively.
Know What To Wear
If you want to further protect yourself from UV rays, you should invest in protective clothing. Lightweight, long sleeved shirts and pants are effective at protecting you from the sun and preventing skin cancer. You also want to invest in high-quality sunglasses that are built with UVA and UVB protection. Sun rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so make sure you are protecting yourself well.
Perform Self Skin-Exams
It is essential that you are examining your skin head-to-toe every month to check for signs of skin cancer. Melanoma usually shows up in the form of moles, which are usually black or brown. If you notice any new moles or suspicious spots on your body, you should see a board-certified dermatologist. At SCS Physicians, there are highly trained and experienced dermatologists that are successful in diagnosing and treating many forms of skin cancer.
SCS Can Meet All Of Your General and Cosmetic Dermatology Needs
Skin Care Specialty Physicians has been serving the residents of the greater Baltimore area for over ten years. From skin cancer screenings to treatments for hair loss, eczema, acne, and more, we treat conditions affecting your skin, hair, and nails. We diagnose a wide range of skin conditions each day and work with you to select treatment options that best fit you and your skin. We also offer variety of cosmetic treatments and procedures, ranging from botox to microneedling, to fit you and your aesthetic goals. If you are interested in any of our services, contact us at 410.252.9090. You can also follow SCS Physicians on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Linkedin and Pinterest.