Keep Skin Safety Top of Mind This Summer

Summer is in full swing and now is the time to reacquaint yourself with safety measures that will help protect your skin from the sun. Even though we are exposed to the sun year-round, exposure to high UV rays increases during the summer months.

In warm weather, larger portions of your body are uncovered and exposed to direct sunlight. Even a mild sunburn can increase the chances of developing skin cancer.

Simple ways to protect yourself from the intensity of the summer sun include:

• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when outside. Apply liberally and reapply often, especially if you sweat or go in the water.
• Wear protective clothing and hats to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around your eyes.
• Avoid long periods of exposure to direct sunlight and stay in the shade whenever possible.

No matter how safe you try to be in the sun, most people show signs of sun exposure over time as they age. It is important to be aware of any changes to your skin and any moles you may have.

It is important to note that almost everyone has moles and that most moles are non-cancerous. A normal mole does not need to be removed. However, if any of the following changes occur with an existing mole, make an appointment with your doctor and address the issue right away.

• Change in size or shape. If a mole goes from a round to an irregular shape.
• Change in color. If a mole becomes darker or multi-colored.
• Change in texture. If a mole starts to raise up or becomes scaly.
• A mole that becomes itchy, painful, or tender.
• A mole that starts to bleed.

Follow the ABCDE rule to help detect and prevent skin cancer. Look for these differences in your moles: 

Additionally, if you develop new moles, make sure to keep an eye on them and discuss them with your doctor at your next scheduled appointment.

Noting changes to your moles is easiest if you examine your skin regularly. Once a month is best. Here are some tips on how to check for moles.

• Check yourself from head to toe. Look closely to hidden areas like between fingers and toes, the back of your legs and your scalp.
• Use a mirror to get a better view.
• Always note the location of your moles, their size and their appearance.
• If you have checked before, look for any changes.

If you have fair skin, are prone to developing moles or have a family history of skin cancer, you should be diligent about examining your skin regularly and seeing a doctor for a yearly exam.

There are three common types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It most frequently develops after years of sun exposure in fair-skinned people, but people of color can also get basal cell carcinoma. If detected early, it can be cured when fully removed. If undiagnosed and untreated, basal cell carcinoma can grow deep into the nerves and bones.

• Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinomas can appear as a firm bump, scaly patch or a sore that does not heal. Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinomas can grow deep into the skin if left undiagnosed.

• Melanoma is the most worrying type of skin cancer. It can occur in an existing mole or suddenly appear on the skin. Melanoma is especially dangerous because it can advance quickly and spread to other areas of your body. Early diagnosis and treatment for melanoma is crucial. If left untreated and it spreads, it cannot be cured strictly by removal. Melanoma that has spread is more challenging to treat, even with other measures beyond surgery.

It is common for patients to see a plastic surgeon wanting their mole removed strictly for cosmetic reasons. Upon examination, we sometimes find it necessary to order a biopsy to find out if the mole is cancerous. It is always better to be safe, rather than sorry.

Don’t let the worry over a potential scar keep you from having a mole checked or removed. A plastic surgeon can often remove cancerous or suspected cancerous growths with minimal disruption to one’s appearance. While any cut to the skin can leave a scar, a plastic surgeon has been specially trained to minimize scarring while ensuring that the cancerous growth is fully removed.

Plastic surgeons provide a broad spectrum of care to resolve issues over the entire body. Whether cosmetic, medical or reconstructive reasons, plastic surgeons are a crucial part of the healthcare team and can make a difference in a person’s overall quality of life.

For more information about the services and procedures available from a plastic surgeon, or to schedule a consult, contact the office at (269) 372-3000 or fill out the online form at bronsonhealth.com/plasticsurgery.