Tips For Preventing Skin Cancer
If you will be traveling a lot this coming summer and are concerned about getting skin cancer from too much sun exposure, then you will be pleased to learn that there are many things you can do to protect your skin, such as each of the following tips:
Tip: Avoid Sunburns at All Costs
Since your skin can become very damaged when it burns, you should avoid getting sunburns at all costs. Some of the easiest ways to avoid sunburns include:
- applying liberal amounts of sunscreen
- wearing a hat
- wearing long sleeves
- staying out of the sun during peak times
You should always buy a broad-spectrum sunscreen and apply it liberally throughout the day. If you are swimming or sweating a lot, then you should reapply the sunscreen often. Wearing hats, long sleeve shirts and pants, and sunglasses provide physical barriers for the sun's rays. Additionally, you can avoid the strongest sun rays by staying out of the sun during the late morning through the late afternoon. If you must be outside during peak times, then you should take cover in the shade as much as possible.
Tip: Choose Early Mornings or Late Afternoon for Water-Related Activities
If you will be boating, fishing, or swimming during the hottest months of summer, then you should choose to do these things either in the early morning or late hours of the day. Since sunlight bounces off of the water, the middle of the day is the prime time for you to get badly sunburned.
Tip: Perform a Monthly Self-Exam of Your Skin
On the first day of every month, take the time out of your schedule to examine your skin. When you are looking at your skin, look for changes such as:
- dry, scaly spots
- brown splotches
- moles that have grown or changed color
If you notice these or other changes to your skin, then you should make an appointment with a dermatologist so they can examine you.
Tip: Visit Your Doctor Each Year for an Exam
Finally, it is very important that you visit your physician each year for a professional skin examination. At your yearly skin exam appointment, your doctor will examine all of your skin looking for signs of skin cancer and pre-cancerous growths. Catching skin cancer before it starts or while it is still in its pre-cancer stage allows you to get early treatment and can save your life. Visit websites like http://www.eastcarolinadermatology.com to learn more.
Share
