Skin cancer develops in areas where the skin has been exposed to direct sunlight, but it can also affect areas that are not exposed to the sun including toenails, palms, fingernails, and genital areas. Skin cancer affects all skin tones, including those with a dark complexion. You can use cosmetic procedures to treat skin cancer. West Palm Beach plastic surgeon gives high-quality treatment and cosmetic outcomes for patients with skin cancer.
Risk factors
Fair skin. Everyone, regardless of their skin color, can get skin cancer. However, having less melanin in the skin provides less protection from ultraviolet radiation. If you have red or blonde hair and light-colored eyes, you are more likely to get skin cancer than a dark skin person.
Excessive sun exposure. Anyone who spends too much time in the sun can develop skin cancer, mainly if the skin is not protected by clothing or sunscreen. Exposure to tanning beds and lamps also puts you at risk of skin cancer. A tan is an injury on the skin, which is a response to excess UV radiation.
Moles. People with abnormal moles called dysplastic nevi are at a high risk of skin cancer. The moles that look irregular and are more extensive than normal moles are likely to become cancerous. If you have abnormal moles, watch them for any changes.
Precancerous skin lesions. Having lesions can increase your risk of getting skin cancer. The precancerous growths usually appear as rough, scaly patches, ranging from brown to dark pink in color. They are standard on the face, hands, and head of people whose skin has been sun-damaged.
Prevention from skin cancer
Avoid direct sunlight during the day. You absorb ultraviolet radiation from the direct sun, and the clouds give little protection from damaging rays. Avoiding sunlight, as it is bright, helps you avoid suntans and sunburns which cause skin damage, increasing the risk of having skin cancer.
Wear sunscreen. Sunscreen doesn’t filter all harmful UV radiation, mainly just radiation that causes melanoma, but they play a role in the sun protection program. Apply sunscreen generously and apply it again every two hours if you are sweating or swimming. Use a good amount of sunscreen on exposed skin including tips of the ears, lips, the backs of your neck, and hands.
Wear protective clothing. Sunscreens don’t give complete protection against ultraviolet rays. So, it would help if you covered your skin with dark, tight clothing that covers the arms and legs and a brimmed hat that gives more protection than a baseball cap.
Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications. Some prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines such as antibiotics can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about the side effects of medications that you take. If they are making your sensitivity to sunlight increase, you should take extra precautions of staying out of the sun to protect your skin.
Skin cancer is a common condition for those who love sun-basking. You should always keep your skin protected from direct sunlight to avoid skin damage and cancer. Preventive measures are essential for skin cancer, and you should talk to your dermatologist regularly and conduct periodic skin checks. It’s said that prevention is better than cure.