Easy Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer
- Posted on: Mar 15 2014
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with more than a million cases diagnosed every year. Here at Creative Image Laser Solutions, Dr. Butka takes care of patients with skin cancer and offers skin cancer treatment in Brownwood. Despite the presence of several treatment options, it is still best that you take a proactive approach in preventing skin cancer.
Below are ways to prevent skin cancer.
Apply sunscreen every day.
Sunscreen has to be applied every day and not merely when you hit the beach. Find a sunscreen that gives you broad-spectrum protection as these are the products that protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays. These two types of rays can damage the skin even if you do not see any sunburn. Moreover, pick a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and reapply sunscreen every few hours.
Put on protective clothing.
Protect the neck and face by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Protect the eyes and face by using sunglasses.
Avoid excessive sun exposure.
The sun is fiercest from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon so try to stay inside as much as possible. If you have to go out, do not forget to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Protect kids from excessive sun exposure too.
Stay away from tanning beds.
A lot of people want to have tanned skin and achieve it by using tanning beds. As much as you would like to have a tan, you have to stay away from tanning beds since they can harm your skin. These beds, together with sun lamps, can be dangerous because they emit UV rays. Instead of going to tanning salons, you can opt for sunless tanning solutions. They are safer and healthier. Then again, you still have to apply sunscreen even when using a sunless tanning solution.
Assess your skin regularly.
Examine your skin regularly and look for freckles and moles that do not seem normal. Be wary of any changes to freckles and moles. Consult a doctor right away if you see any changes or if there are spots that are red, itchy, or bleeding. Moles and skin discolorations that appear all of a sudden also call for a consultation.
To learn more about skin cancer and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Butka, call us today at 325-641-1927 or fill out this online contact form. Getting more information on skin cancer and going for regular check-ups will go a long way in preventing skin cancer or diagnosing it at an early stage.
Posted in: Skin Cancer
