Tips on Preventing Skin Cancer
While skin cancer may not always be avoidable if it is going to develop due to genetics or for other reasons, there are many instances in which it can be prevented. Knowing this, you should make the decision to do everything that you can to decrease your chances of ever developing skin cancer. This article will offer you a few tips on decreasing your odds of finding yourself dealing with this scary diagnosis:
Always wear sunscreen when you are going outside for a period of time
Many people make the very common mistake of thinking they only need to wear sunscreen when it is sunny outside. However, the truth is that you should also wear sunscreen on overcast days. The sun's rays can reflect back and forth off of the clouds and still affect your skin. In fact, it is even possible for you to get a sunburn when it is overcast outside.
If you don't feel like wearing sunscreen all over, or you find yourself without, then you can also wear light clothing to cover exposed skin. Wearing a hat can protect your face, ears, and neck from the sun's rays. Another thing you need to think about is protecting your face and arms when you are driving. When you are driving, or even a passenger in a car, one side of your body will constantly be next to one of the windows. While you may feel safer because you are in a car, you are actually still at risk of having your skin being damaged by the sun and increasing your chances of developing skin cancer.
You should also try to spend as much time as possible in the shade when you are outside enjoying the beautiful day. The shade offers you a natural and easily ready way to protect your skin. You should also try to avoid tanning beds altogether. If you do find yourself feeling as if you need to darken up a bit, then you should choose a tanning cream.
Get treatment for skin cancer right away
If you do find anything concerning and new on your skin, then you should have it looked at right away. You want to have skin cancer treated as fast as you can. Some methods can include a simple procedure most doctors can do right in their office where the skin is treated with a laser. Mohs surgery, which can also be done in most doctor's offices, is when the skin is removed layer by layer and examined until all the cancer is gone. More invasive surgeries involve removing larger sections of affected skin.