With the official start of summer just weeks away, medical experts urge people to pay close attention to their skin health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Experts say one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives, mostly due to too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
UV rays can harm skin cells, and skin cancer can appear differently on each person.
Jessica Brubaker, a nurse practitioner at UPMC, advises people to watch for changes in their moles or skin spots. Signs to look for include uneven shapes, jagged or irregular borders, uneven color, or changes in size.
“If something looks off, feels unusual, or just doesn’t seem right, tell your healthcare provider,” said Brubaker. “With summer coming, many people spend more time outside in the sun.”
Brubaker recommends getting a full-body skin check at least once a year.
Melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, can spread quickly to other parts of the body.
To protect your skin, avoid sun exposure during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you are outside during these times, even on cloudy days, wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours.
Wearing hats, long-sleeved shirts, and pants can also help reduce sun exposure.
Sun damage can happen during everyday activities, such as walking the dog or mowing the lawn. Because of this, it’s important to protect your skin every day, not just during intentional sunbathing.
Related Topics:
