It's May and that means temperatures are heating up; our friend Mr. Sun comes out to play and so do we. There are picnics, BBQs, camping, gardening, trips to the park, water fun and much more to do outside. The fresh air and sunshine feels great on our skin but it is very important to also remember to protect our skin. Yeah, yeah, You know that sun causes wrinkles, burns, peeling and other damage to our precious skin -- the sun's warm golden rays can even cause cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common but it is also one of the most preventable and easiest to detect.
Put a cover on it! While you may put sunscreen on your skin, your scalp can still be vulnerable.
Hats are a great way to protect your head, keep the sun off your face and help prevent skin cancer.
May is designated as Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Detection and Prevention Month. During the month of May many people are dedicated to helping others by raising awareness and letting people know more about prevention and detection. This is a fantastic time to educate yourself and your family about what you can do to keep your skin safe and help prevent skin cancer. You should also take this opportunity to learn how to do monthly skin checks. Early detection is the key so knowing your skin and being aware of anything that looks suspicious is very important. According to the American Academy of Dermatology there are a few things you need to be on the look out for. When examining your skin look for moles or spots that exhibit:
1. Asymmetry ~ One half is unlike the other
2. Boarders ~ An irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.
3. Color ~ Is varied from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown, or black; or is sometimes white, red or blue.
4. Diameter ~ Melanomas usually are greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, but they can be smaller.
5. Evolving ~ A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.
To view photos, download a mole map and for step-by-step instructions on how to do a skin check visit http://www.melanomamonday.org/
There are some simple and important things you can do to help prevent getting skin cancer in the first place.
1. Layer up!
No, you don't have to wear sweaters, gloves and scarves -- you'd get heat stroke. What you do need to do is to layer your skin with sunscreen. Be sure to use a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Waterproof sunscreen, SPF of 30 or higher is recommended -- and you'll want to reapply at least every two hours. If you are using a spray sunscreen, you'll want to reapply every hour.
2. Keep Shaded
Be sure to wear hats, shirts, and sunglasses when you are out in the sun -- for added protection. If you are headed for the beach or going to be somewhere where it might be difficult to find shade, bring an umbrella. If you are heading out for a walk -- take an umbrella to keep you shaded -- and as an added bonus it keeps you cooler to.
3. Watch the Clock
Avoid the sun during the hours of 10am and 4pm. If you want to be out that's completely understandable but you need to follow the rules above, seek shade, cover up, slather on the sunscreen.
4. Read Your Prescription Labels
There are many prescriptions that carry a warning about the effects of sunlight while on the medication. Be sure to read labels every time and make sure to head the warnings if it says to avoid direct sunlight. Even if you don't usually burn while you are out in the sun these medications can make you ultra sensitive -- so keep yourself protected.
5. Avoid the Tanning Bed
If you want to protect yourself and prevent skin cancer your MUST avoid tanning beds. There are so many other ways that you can get a healthy glow without putting yourself at risk. There are lotions, self tanners and you can even go in a get a professional spray tan which looks just as natural as anything you would get out in the sun. It's a great alternative!
If you want to help others prevent skin cancer, spread the word and raise people's awareness. Being a good example can also show your friends and family ways that they can protect themselves.
Let's work together to bring awareness and not only tell people how to prevent and detect skin cancer -- let's show them that we care enough about our skin and our health to do the same.
There are many free skin cancer screenings all over the country and they are often held in May. Call your local hospitals or dermatologists to try to find out when the one in your area will be held.
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