Summer has arrived, meaning the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are at their strongest. If you spend a lot of time outside working, gardening, exercising, or sunbathing, you need to take extra precautions.
But UV rays are even more powerful – and much sneakier – than you think, easily penetrating through clouds and glass windows. Do you spend time on or near Lake Michigan? UV rays bounce off water as well as snow. Even on cold winter days, the potential for sun damage is almost always there.
The skin care experts at The Derm want to help keep your skin as protected and healthy as possible. Let’s review some of the best ways to prevent skin cancer and melanoma, who’s at a higher risk of developing them, when you should visit a dermatologist, and more.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and includes:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
Because basal and squamous cells are located in the top layer of your skin, they are directly exposed to UV rays. Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a raised pink or red spot, a shiny bump, or a sore that won’t heal. Squamous cell carcinoma, which is a more severe condition, often appears as a raised, scaly lesion or an open, growing sore that won’t heal.
The most common early signs of melanoma include a dark mole or lesion that:
- Looks different from other moles on your skin
- Grows larger
- Is multi-colored (usually a variation of brown and black)
- Has an uneven border or odd shape
Melanoma occurs much less often than basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, but it’s also much more likely to invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of your body. Most skin cancer deaths are caused by melanoma.
Thankfully, skin cancer can often be cured when it’s found and treated early enough – even melanoma. That’s why regular self-exams and annual skin cancer screenings are so important.
Are you due for a skin cancer screening? Contact The Derm today.
Ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer and melanoma
Aside from self-exams and skin cancer screenings, there are many other ways to practice sun safety and limit UV exposure.
Say yes to sunscreen
Whether you’re sitting by the pool or playing in the snow, you still need sunscreen – even on overcast days. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, and be sure to reapply at least every two hours.
Say no to indoor tanning
It may be tempting to use indoor tanning beds during cold Chicago winters to keep your summer glow. However, indoor tanning exposes your skin to high levels of artificial UV rays. Use self-tanning products instead.
Dress for the sun
Wearing protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection, helps protect your skin and eyes.
Keep an eye on the clock
UV rays are strongest from 10 AM to 2 PM, so be extra cautious during these times and seek out shade when you can.
Am I at risk for skin cancer and melanoma?
Anyone can get skin cancer, but you’re at higher risk if you have:
- Fair skin
- Freckles
- Blond or red hair
- Blue or green eyes
You’re at higher risk of developing melanoma if you have:
- A large number of moles (50 or more)
- Moles that change color or texture
- Moles that grow unevenly
- A family history of melanoma
- Fair skin that burns easily
- A personal history of blistering sunburns, especially when you were a child or teenager
To learn more about your personal risk for skin cancer and melanoma, ask our board-certified dermatologists.
When to visit The Derm
Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. But remember, skin cancer is highly treatable when it’s caught early enough. Be sure to schedule a professional skin cancer screening every year. You can do your part at home as well. At least once a month, closely examine your body from head to toe (including your scalp and the soles of your feet). If you see a spot that looks odd, is itching or bleeding, or has changed in any way, reach out to us immediately.
Trust the skin cancer specialists at The Derm
At the Derm, we provide the latest skin cancer treatments and procedures (including Mohs surgery) and the highest standard of care. We also offer our own line of skin care products, including sunscreen. To learn more about how The Derm helps prevent skin cancer and melanoma, schedule an appointment today.
