Our skin is exposed to the sun’s harsh UV rays year-round. Whether it’s sunny, rainy or cloudy, we need to be sure we are protecting ourselves against skin cancer. Check out these tips from Amy Hendrix, CRNP at Reading Dermatology, on how to keep your skin healthy and protected 365 days a year.
Sunscreen is a must. And ladies, your daily moisturizers aren’t cutting it. According to Hendrix, for sunscreen to be effective it needs to have a SPF greater than 30 and be applied hourly when outside. The most commonly missed areas of skin when applying sunscreen are: the crease of the nose, eyelids, ears and the insides of ears.
This also applies to children. Infants under the age of three months should have limited exposure to sunlight. This is because their skin cannot yet handle the chemicals in sunscreen; if young children will be exposed to sunlight, UV protective hats and clothing can be found in major department stores and at other locations. Do your research and be prepared.
Knowing the early signs of skin cancer is important. Hendrix gives us a head’s up on the A, B, C, D and Es of melanoma:
A: Asymmetry (Two halves do not match)
B: Border (Uneven borders)
C: Color (Multiple colors)
D: Diameter (Larger than 6mm)
E: Elevation (Mole was once flat but is now elevated)
Baseline full-skin exams are a great way to keep track of your skin’s health. For self exams, start with your face and scalp, looking for any changes in skin color or new or changing moles. Continue with this exam, covering all areas of your skin down to your toes. This exam should be done yearly or monthly depending on your age and family history of skin cancer. Reading Dermatology offers baseline full-skin exams as well treatment for any other skin concern. More info can be found by visiting readingderm.com.
