It’s time to embrace spring, open up windows and rejoice in the renewal of the season and the beauty of being outdoors, but please don’t forget about your skin. You’ll soon be wearing less clothing, uncovering skin that you haven’t paid much attention to all winter.  Now, take a look at that skin you’ve been neglecting (also peek at your loved one’s skin too). Anything new or changing? Or maybe you're just not sure?  Time to get an appointment with your dermatologist to have a professional look. It could save your life and it may actually turn out to be something you look forward to. 

Why NOW is a good time to get your skin checked:

Have a freckle or mole you’ve been wondering about? Isn’t there a little mark on your skin that has puzzled you for years? Go get your skin checked now and you can ask your dermatologist all about it. They will want to hear about any skin concerns you bring up. Aren’t you curious?

You’re getting so busy. Before you plan your summer getaway and go to that graduation or wedding, make an appointment now.  Never seen a dermatologist for a full skin exam? No problem. Check out the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) for information. You may even be able to find a free skin cancer screening in your area. Or call your local dermatologist’s office.

Seeing a dermatologist can actually be fun because not only do we take skin cancer screenings very seriously, many of us also offer lots of  advice on other topics like skin care and cosmetic dermatology too. So getting to know us can be both a commitment to your health and your beauty!

The sooner the better. Once they have had their skin exam, my patients invariably tell me how glad they are they did it.  Then they say what stopped them from doing it sooner was being afraid of hearing the doctor give them bad news. Well here is good news. The majority of skin cancer is highly treatable and most are curable when caught early. So there is no time to wait. Please go and have a professional skin cancer screening and you will ask yourself why you had been putting it off. 

Skin checks are part of self care. Do your own self exam. Here's what you do.  If you live alone, it may be hard to check the back of your body so use a mirror and take your time.  Any questions? Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider who is experienced in spotting skin cancer. Doing this is an easy first step in prioritizing YOU. 

5 True or False Questions In Time for Skin Cancer Awareness Month

1. The left side of the face can be more at risk for precancerous spots and early aging than the right side of the face.

TRUE:  Your face, neck, arm and hand are exposed to your driver’s side window, which means when you’re driving,  ultraviolet impacts the skin of the left side of the face more than the right (unless you live in the UK or other places where the driver’s side is on the right in which case the right side will experience greater sun impact). Since you began to drive, all the years spent behind the wheel equals cumulative sun exposure to the left side of the face. Even with the window closed, ultraviolet A (UVA) rays can penetrate the glass and cause DNA damage to the skin unbeknownst to you. You may not sunburn through this glass, but enough UVA rays can have their damaging effect.

2.  All skin cancers are raised.

FALSE: You would probably expect skin cancer to be a spot on the skin that is raised. While many skin cancers are bumps or lumps, some can be flat. Melanoma, for example, may appear as a discolored flat spot or patch. Don’t wait for a skin concern to be raised before having it checked out.

3.  I hate using sunscreen so I should just give up trying to protect my skin.

FALSE: While skin protection of the face relies heavily on SPF or products like moisturizers or makeup with  sunscreen ingredients to help us avoid sunburns, there are other easy ways to protect your precious skin.

• • • Shade (stay in the shade whenever possible)
    • Sombrero (wear a hat, wide brim is best)
    • Sleeves (long sleeves or rash guard tops)
    • Sunglasses
      

Reminder: There is no sunscreen that is actually waterproof. If you sweat or get wet, you must reapply your product in order to stay protected. Rule Of thumb is to reapply every 2 hours

4. I need sunlight to obtain Vitamin D.

FALSE: Exposure to sunlight does help your body produce Vitamin D. However, we can get Vitamin D from foods such as salmon, cod liver oil, egg yolks and mushrooms as well as Vitamin D fortified foods and dietary supplements.

5. Wearing my white T-shirt over my swimsuit is going to prevent me from getting a sunburn at the beach.

TRUE (somewhat):  Clothing can provide protection from the sun. However, a typical thin white T-shirt gives only about a 2-3 SPF and less than that when it is wet. Do not rely on it to be highly effective at preventing sunburns. There are many excellent fabrics and clothing companies available from which to choose outstanding skin protection. These products can be lightweight and worn even in the summer. They work well.  Rule of thumb:  If you hold your piece of clothing up to a bright window and can see some light through it, it will not offer good screening. 

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/find/at-risk/mole-map

https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/

https://www.today.com/health/woman-shares-warning-after-blemish-led-cancer-diagnosis-t211707

The above is for informational purposes only and is not meant as medical advice nor does it serve as  a substitute for seeing your doctor.