Protect Your Skin During UV Safety Awareness Month

checking-mole-on-backWe hope everyone is having an excellent start to their summer. This is the time of year when it is most important to be aware of the power of the sun and the impact that its UV rays can have on your skin. Skin cancers including basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanomas are the most common type of cancer in the US according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In honor of UV Safety Awareness Month this July, the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine thought now would be the perfect time to provide tips about how our readers can effectively reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.

Limit Exposure To Direct Sunlight

We know that the summer season can mean lots of time spent outdoors at the pool, beach, and other outdoor happenings. However, it’s important to try to limit direct sun exposure when possible. This means wearing protective clothing (including hats) and sunglasses when spending extended time out in the sun. Try to find a shady spot, especially when outdoors between 10AM and 4PM when the sun is strongest.

Be Aware Of Your ABCDE’s

This helpful mnemonic device can help people detect changes in their skin that can potentially be cancerous:

  • A – Asymmetry. Does your mole or spot have an irregular shape or two parts that look very different?
  • B – Border. Does your spot have an irregular or jagged border?
  • C – Color. Is the coloring uneven?
  • D – Diameter. Any mole or spot bigger than the size of a pea is worth monitoring.
  • E – Evolving. It’s very important to be aware of any changes the mole or spot has undergone.

Never Skip The Sunscreen

Dermatologists recommend applying some level of SPF protection year-round, and the summer is obviously no exception to this. We recommend using a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when spending extended time outdoors and re-applying every 2 hours (or more frequently if swimming or sweating heavily).

Make Annual Screening Appointments

Screening for skin cancer testing is the most important step in protecting yourself against skin cancer. Doing so can help detect potential irregularities and find skin cancers when they are still in their earliest and most treatable stages. While we typically recommend being screened annually, it’s important to be screened as soon as possible if you have noticed any irregular growth.

While the prevalence of skin cancer may seem scary, the truth is that nearly 90% of all skin cancer cases are preventable with the right care and precautions. We hope these tips help all of our readers enjoy their outdoor summer fun as safely and responsibly as possible. For more information on skin cancer or other health and wellness topics, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today to schedule an appointment. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.