Skin safety basics for skin cancer awareness month

In the United States, skin cancer is the number one cancer diagnosis in adults today. The numbers are scary, especially when patients can actually take steps to reduce their risk of skin cancer. Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, now is a great time to talk about ways to be skin safe! Dr. Francisco Kerdel and the associates at the Florida Academic Dermatology Center in Coral Gables, Florida offer the following recommendations to protect your skin: 

•         Wear a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection. The sun has two types of radiation, including UVA and UVB. Broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects from both is key to reducing the risks of skin cancer.
•         Regardless of your skin color, use sunscreen. Some people incorrectly believe that patients with darker skin do not need to wear sunscreen, but this is not true. Patients of darker skin colors can still experience DNA mutation in their skin cells that can cause skin cancer, and may also experience premature aging of the skin and lost skin elasticity as well.
•         Look for the warning signs of skin cancer. Skin cancer is visible, so any new growths or changes to moles should be evaluated by a professional. It is highly recommended that everyone have annual skin cancer screenings for early detection and treatment.
•         Stay out of the sun between the times of 10am and 4pm. This is when the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest. If you must be out in the sun during the midday hours, wear a high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply as directed on all exposed skin.

Are you interested in learning more about the prevention and diagnosis of skin cancer?

During skin cancer awareness month, the team at the Florida Academic Dermatology Center is here to help you fully understand the ways in which you can prevent skin cancer and catch the condition early on.  If you are concerned about developing skin cancer, or have a growth that you would like evaluated, we are here for you! Call our office at (305) 324-2110 to request an appointment at our practice, conveniently located at 475 Biltmore Way, Suite #207 in Coral Gables, Florida.