Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer. Skin cells are vulnerable to destruction by UV radiation. Protecting yourself from damaging UV radiation is essential in preventing skin cancer. That is because the sun’s UV rays are harmful and difficult to detect. It may age you prematurely and even cause skin cancer. Also, routine daily actions like walking the dog, moving from your vehicle to the shop, and bringing in the mail may cause cumulative sun damage over time. This is where sunscreen Pittsboro comes in handy. Below are tips to keep skin cancer at bay:
See the doctor once a year
You should consider going to the dermatologist once a year to monitor any changes in your skin. If you see any alterations, it is essential to be checked out immediately since this is how skin cancer manifests. Skin cancer may sometimes seem like a mole or blemish to the untrained eye. The critical point is that if you do not know what to look for, skin cancer might seem to be relatively benign.
Avoid indoor tanning
High quantities of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) are absorbed by the skin when indoor tanning (using a tanning bed, booth, sunbed, or sunlamp to darken the skin) is practiced. Cancers of the skin, cataracts, and the eyes may all develop from prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Being healthy is not shown by having a tan. Melanin production increases due to exposure to UV radiation penetrating deeper into the skin. The pigment melanin is responsible for skin color. When it travels to the skin’s surface, it develops into a tan. After exposure to UV light, any change in skin color (whether a tan or a burn) indicates damage, not wellness.
Indoor tanning —
- Puts you at risk of being exposed to cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation.
- Does not prevent skin from burning in the sun.
- It may cause severe harm if not avoided
Put on and reapply sunscreen regularly
Even though it is overcast outside, you should not skip sunscreen since UV rays may penetrate clouds and injure your skin. Reapplying sunscreen every 20 minutes is recommended when exercising or swimming. When the UV index is maximum, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., reapplication is essential. Dermatologists advise using an SPF 30 or higher, water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection.
Examine yourself
Extensive sun exposure, fair skin, and a personal or family history of skin cancer all call for a monthly skin check. Also, remember, skin cancer may form anywhere on your body, so it’s important to examine even the parts of your body that seldom, if ever, encounter the sun. See a dermatologist if you have any of the following: bleeding, burning, itching, or a sore that won’t heal.
It is best to get checked out as soon as you see anything unusual on your skin, whether it is a new growth, a change in pigmentation, or a mole that has grown bigger than a pencil eraser. If you are concerned about skin cancer, you can schedule a consultation with Sanford Dermatology today.