Smart Skin-Sun Care: Tips for Preventing and Detecting Skin Cancer
With over 5 million cases diagnosed each year in the United States alone, understanding how to prevent and detect skin cancer early is paramount. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which provides all of us with the reminders we need as we jump into summer.
Sun Protection: This is the cornerstone of skin cancer prevention. This includes wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and wearing protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Remember to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming.
Regular Skin Checks: Regular self-examinations and professional skin screenings are crucial for detecting skin cancer early. Dr. Haque recommends performing monthly self-checks to monitor for any changes in moles, spots, or lesions. Additionally, scheduling annual skin exams with a dermatology specialist can help detect any suspicious growths early on.
Know Your ABCDEs: Understanding the ABCDEs of melanoma can aid in identifying potentially cancerous moles. Watch for asymmetry, irregular borders, variations in color, diameters larger than a pencil eraser, and evolving moles. Any changes should prompt a visit to a dermatologist for further evaluation.
Avoid Tanning Beds: Dr. Haque strongly advises against the use of tanning beds, as they emit harmful UV radiation that increases the risk of skin cancer. Opting for sunless tanning products or bronzing lotions as safer alternatives can help achieve a sun-kissed glow without the risk.
Stay Hydrated: Keeping the skin well-hydrated is essential for maintaining its health and resilience. Drink plenty of water and use moisturizers to prevent dryness, especially in areas prone to sun exposure.
You are not protected in your car: While the windows in your car are effective at blocking UVB radiation, which causes sunburns and skin cancer, they are not very effective at blocking UVA radiation, which also contributes to skin cancer as well as photo aging (e.g., wrinkles, leathery skin). Therefore, you should wear sunscreen if you are in the car (as well as trains and planes), particularly on your face and the back of your hands.
UV radiation scatters: Surfaces reflect UV radiation, so you are still exposed in the shade. For example, fresh snow can reflect 80% of UV radiation, dry beach sand 15%, and seafoam 25%. The best way to protect yourself while outside is to reapply sunscreen every two hours. Another great option is to wear ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 50+ clothing, which blocks 98% of UV radiation. UPF clothing is widely available and is made from tightly woven synthetic fibers, such as polyester or nylon. Natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, are too loosely woven to be good protection from UV radiation.
By incorporating these expert tips into your skincare routine, you can take proactive steps towards reducing your risk of skin cancer and maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Remember, prevention and early detection are key in the fight against skin cancer, so prioritize sun protection and regular skin checks for optimal skin health.
Dr. Adel Haque is a Board-Certified Dermatologist and Board-Certified Mohs Surgeon serving the community out of the Lewisburg and Macungie offices of Dermatology Partners, a leading privately-owned patient-centered dermatology practice. Appointments with Dr. Haque can be scheduled by visiting www.dermpartners.com or calling: 1-888-895-3376.
