6 Effective Ways To Prevent Skin Cancers
Skin cancers include melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell cancers. Basal and squamous cell cancers are easy to treat and very common too. However, malignant melanoma might be difficult to treat. If it is diagnosed early, then there is a chance that the treatment might be effective. Most of the melanoma starts as new skin growth or unmarked skin. The growth might show changes in size, shape or color. These types of changes are early indicators of malignant melanoma. As cancers are mostly fatal it is better to not get them. But is that possible? As for skin cancers, you can take a few precautions to avoid them.
1. Sunscreen use
It is recommended that you should daily use a sunscreen cream with an SPF of a minimum of fifteen. Make sure to reapply each 2 hours once you are out. Try to apply a broad-spectrum cream that filters out ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays. However, do not rely only on cream for sun protection, particularly with youngsters. Discuss with your doctor before applying cream on babies and kids. [Also read; The need for sunglasses to protect your eyes]
2. Check for moles frequently
Check your moles often, particularly if you have got a case history of carcinoma. The National Cancer Institute suggests standing naked before of a full-length mirror. Begin with the face and work your approach downward. Use a hand-held mirror for hard-to-see areas. Hunt for unusual moles, black mole or a different mole in shape, size, color, or feel. If you notice any changes, see your skin doctor promptly.
3. Avoid peak hours
The harmful UV rays are strongest when it hits directly your overhead. Thus, it is best to avoid sun exposure in this time. However, if it is inevitable, then you might want to consider walking through the shade. So, even though it feels significantly less hot outside, you may be doing serious harm to your skin throughout these peak hours. You can visit the beach or arrange your outside activities for earlier or later within the day, or just value more highly to relax within the shade.
4. Wear hats
Hats are a straightforward way to defend you from the sun. It is recommended that you wear hats that have at least 2-3 inch brim all around to guard the neck, ears, eyes, forehead and scalp. Avoid straw hats as they usually are not finely plain-woven and might let the ultraviolet rays reach your skin. Try to select a hat that is thick, comfortable, wide brim and smart looking!
5. Skip the tanning bed
A study showed that people who used a tanning bed a minimum of once a month boosted their carcinoma risk by 55 %. And if such tanning sessions began throughout the women’s 20s, the numbers were even higher. For a safer sun-kissed look, strive to use a self-tanning lotion or spray-on tanning, that acts with the amino acids within the skin’s surface to make a browner tone however do not involve melanocytes (skin cells which will become skin cancer). You can also try to use a bronzer which gives temporary tan.
6. Avoid getting sunburn
Getting sunburn is really unhealthy for your skin. If at all you do get sunburn, then apply ice all over the affected areas or use sunburn face pack. Getting regular sunburns increase your chances of getting carcinoma. If you have kids, make sure to protect them from the harmful rays from time to time.
Author Bio: Daniel Clark is a well-known skin doctor. He likes to write various blogs on medical topics. In the above post he is giving some tips on how to avoid getting skin cancers.