Learn about skin cancer this May for Skin Cancer Awareness Month

“The best early detection strategy is to see a dermatology specialist once a year, or more often if you are at higher risk for developing skin cancer, for a comprehensive, full-body exam,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. John H. Phillips III of Dermatology Specialists of FL. During the exam, the provider will examine your skin to look for anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. If you have specific areas of concern, such as a new or evolving mole, make sure to discuss them with the provider.

If any spots are identified during the exam, the dermatology specialist may biopsy the spot for further examination. There are many effective treatments for eliminating skin cancer if it is found in the biopsy. The goal in treating skin cancer is to remove all of the cancerous areas from the skin. The good news is, when the cancer is detected early and has not spread, this is often possible and can be accomplished with a surgical or non-surgical treatment, depending on the type of skin cancer.

In between skin exams with a dermatology specialist, it is important to regularly perform a skin cancer self-exam at home. Check your body from head to toe and look for any spots that are new, unusual, or changing over time. Certified physician assistant Lauren Hagen, PA-C from Dermatology Specialists of FL shares that, “This simple process that takes just a few minutes each month could drastically affect the outcome if you develop skin cancer and are able to get it quickly diagnosed and treated.”

There are simple steps that you can take every day to limit your risk of developing skin cancer. Practicing sun safety year-round is essential to limiting the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays on the body. Make sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily and reapply at least every 2 hours if you are swimming, sweating, or spending extended time outdoors. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your ears, neck, hands, feet, scalp, and lips.

When possible, limit your sun exposure by seeking shade, especially during the peak sunshine hours of 10AM-2PM. When you cannot avoid the sun, wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a hat to limit the amount of UV rays that reach your skin. And always avoid tanning beds, which can cause skin cancer and signs of aging like dark spots and wrinkles.

To keep your skin healthy and help prevent skin cancer, make a habit of getting your skin checked annually by a professional, performing self-exams at home, and regularly practicing sun safety.

Dermatology Specialists of Florida
https://mydermspecialists.com/locations/florida/navarre/
(850) 932-1455