Marco Julian Serrano Safety is important throughout the year, more so during summer when we are mostly outdoors. People often forget to put sunscreen on certain parts of their body, which increases their chances of getting skin. This article discusses those areas and ways to ensure sun safety.
Areas Often Missed When Applying Sunscreen
Dermatologists have found that people usually miss these body parts when putting on sunscreen,
- Backs of hands
- Ears
- Scalp
- Neck
Dr. Neera Nathan, a skin cancer surgeon trained at Harvard, says that these areas are often exposed to sun and thus are very sensitive. Dr. David Kim, a dermatologist from New York City agrees by mentioning how outdoor athletes tend to overlook the ears risking skin cancers.
Main Skin Cancer Types
The three main kinds of skin cancer are,
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
The majority of people get basal cell carcinoma which is not so harmful usually. Squamous cell carcinoma tends to be stronger, while melanoma can be fatal if not found quickly. Regular checks by oneself or a professional can facilitate early detection.
Skin Cancer Can Appear in Unexpected Places
Skin cancers can occur in unexpected places like,
- Under fingernails and toenails
- In between toes
- Under feet
Melanomas under one’s nails can look like a bleeding wart or bruise and can be hard to diagnose, explains Dr. Jennifer Holman, who is a dermatologist associated with U.S. Dermatology Partners. Regular checks and being aware of such changes are crucial.
Risks of Indoor Tanning
Indoor tanning has been strongly linked with melanoma risk increase. Dr. Holman attributes her own melanoma to her use of indoor tanning in college days. A single session could multiply risk significantly for women below 30 years of age.
Methods for Preventing Risks
To lower skin cancer risk, consider these safety measures,
- Lay on a thick layer of sunscreen ten to fifteen minutes before going out in the sun.
- Pick a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF value not less than 30.
- Reapply sunscreen after every two hours, or sooner if you swim or sweat.
- Use hats, sunglasses and clothing that protect against sun
- Stay in shade during peak sunlight hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
A lip balm containing SPF can help keep lips safe while spray sunscreens are effective on scalps and hairlines.
Skin Self Checks Are Important
Paying attention to one’s own skin frequently helps find signs of skin cancer early on. Use the “ABCDE” guideline to spot possible melanomas,
- Asymmetry: The halves of any mole look different
- Borders: Blurry, rough edges or borders that have no definite shape
- Colour: Different colours present like shades of tan, brown, black and sometimes white, red or blue tones
- Diameter: Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (size of a pencil’s eraser) at the time of detection, but can be smaller
- Evolving: Mole or other lesion on skin changes size, shape or colour.
An yearly skin exam by a dermatologist helps in early detection. If you have fair skin, used tanning beds before, or have family members with skin cancer history, you might need these checks more frequently.
Sunscreen Application Mistakes
People often make mistakes when it comes to applying sunscreen such as,
- Using too little sunscreen
- Forgetting to reapply
- Not focusing on body parts like neck’s back and feet tops
If you set reminders for reapplication and form habits like placing your sunscreen near your door, ensuring full body protection would become easier. Remember that using just sunscreen does not mean comprehensive sun safe practices.
In Conclusion
Skin cancer is a severe health issue that anyone might face. Keeping an eye out for less expected places where skin cancer may occur and adhering to sun safety rules consistently can reduce your risk significantly. Regular checks by oneself alongside professional skin examinations increase the chance for early detection and successful treatment of the disease. Start taking care of your skin today to ensure better health tomorrow.
