Nevada is known for its glorious sunshine, and while the sun’s warmth may feel especially welcome after a chilly winter, you still need to be careful about your skin. Increased sun exposure also raises your risk of skin damage and skin cancer, including the most deadly type — melanoma.
Fortunately, you can significantly reduce your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers if you follow a few simple rules. In this post, our team at Desert West Surgery reviews seven steps you can take starting today to enjoy healthier skin now and in the future.
Sure, you know you should wear sunscreen, but do you? Every day? Even when it’s cold or cloudy? Wearing sunscreen regularly is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays that cause melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
For the best results, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen and apply it to all exposed skin before heading outside — don’t forget your ears! Apply sunscreen every morning after you brush your teeth, so you’re sure not to forget. Sunscreen use also helps prevent premature signs of aging.
Applying sunscreen before heading out is important, but it’s also important to reapply it throughout the day, especially if you plan on being outdoors a lot. Sweat, water exposure, and time all reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen.
Reapplying it regularly helps maintain protection, especially during outdoor activities or when you’re swimming or perspiring. How much should you apply? About two heaping tablespoons (enough to fill a shot glass) is adequate for your entire body, or a dab the size of a nickel for just your face.
Clothing provides another important layer of defense against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Long-sleeve shirts, long pants or skirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection help shield areas that are often left exposed.
Some clothing is made with built-in sun protection, but it can fade over time. Be sure to follow the care and wear instructions, as the protection doesn’t always last indefinitely.
Wear sunscreen whenever you’re outdoors, and to further reduce UV exposure, try to avoid the midday sun when its rays are strongest.
If you must be outside during midday, seek shade when possible, make an extra effort to apply sunscreen as needed, and wear protective clothing. Lightweight, breathable fabrics keep you comfortable. Using a portable sunshade, an umbrella, or a parasol provides much-needed shade and safety.
Finally, if you haven’t had a skin cancer exam this year, now is the time to schedule one. An annual skin exam helps detect unusual changes early, allowing for timely treatment if needed.
It’s also a good idea to do at-home skin exams. If you notice anything unusual — for instance, a patch of rough or scaly skin or a mole that changes size, shape, or color — don’t hesitate to get a skin cancer exam right away to have it checked out.
Melanoma can’t be cured with medication or topical products — it requires surgery to remove the lesion and prevent it from recurring or spreading. Our team is skilled in state-of-the-art surgical techniques associated with the most positive, long-lasting outcomes.
To learn more, call Desert West Surgery to schedule a consultation at our Las Vegas, Nevada, location nearest you.
