The risk of developing skin cancer is higher for those with lighter skin tones, although anybody is at risk. Skin cancer is uncommon in children, but it can occur at any age.
The space between your toes is just one example of a previously unsuspected location for skin cancer to develop.
In most cases, skin cancer may be avoided, and if detected early, it can be treated successfully. Since sun exposure is associated with most cases of skin cancer, it’s wise to protect yourself whenever you go outside. Excessive sun exposure raises the risk of skin cancer and accelerates the skin’s aging process.
Rare genetic abnormalities, frail skin, old age, fair complexion or freckles, actinic keratosis, and an impaired immune system are all risk factors for developing skin cancer.
What common forms does skin cancer take?
There are various types of skin cancer, however, the top three are:
- Cancer of the basal cell: Basal cell carcinomas begin in the outer layer of the skin’s basal cells and can manifest as a pearly or waxy hump, a plain, blood or brown scar-like lesion, or any combination of these characteristics.
- Cellular squamous neoplasm of the head and neck: This form of skin cancer begins in squamous cells, which are also found in the epidermis. Red, solid nodules or flat lesions with a crusty, scaly appearance are common indicators
- Melanoma: The percentage of skin cancers that are melanomas is low, yet they are the deadliest kind. Melanoma signs include:
- A big, speckled brown spot on the skin
- A mole that bleeds spreads or alters in size, color, or texture
- An irregularly shaped tiny lesion with varying shades of color throughout.
- Brown spots on the skin of the hands, feet, or mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, vagina, or anus
Ways to Skin Cancer Prevention
You may take precautions against skin cancer by following the advice below, and the sooner you start doing so, the better off you and your loved ones will be.
1. Protect fom sun
Always take precautions, and don’t forget your shades and protective gear. Put on a hat, long sleeves, and long pants to protect your face, head, and ears from the sun. Sun protection is increased when wearing dark, tightly woven clothing as opposed to light, loosely woven clothing. If you want even more defense against the sun, you can buy clothes that are treated specifically for that purpose. Sunglasses should block out UV rays by at least 99% and preferably 100%.
2. Get skin cancer screenings
Having annual skin cancer screening tests with a dermatologist is an excellent practice, even if you have no skin issues. They can see into your body in ways you can’t.
Moles and other skin growths can be evaluated for cancer risk by a dermatologist. Early removal of a mole that has suspicious signs and appears as though it may be malignant (cancer) may prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the body.
3. Be Extremely careful in the Sun
Sunscreen is a must not just in the summer but throughout the entire year. Even on overcast, cool days, UV radiation can penetrate clouds and reflective surfaces (such as water, cement, sand, and snow) to reach your skin. Time zone adjustments mean that the peak hours for UV radiation in the continental United States are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time).
4. Be aware of medication side effects
Sun sensitivity can be increased by some drugs. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antifungals, blood pressure pills, and certain types of chemotherapy are all in this category.
Conclusion
Avoiding UV light sources like sunshine and tanning beds is crucial if you want to lower your chance of acquiring skin cancer.
Still, it’s important to see a top skin specialist whenever you see anything out of the ordinary on your skin, such as a new growth, a change in pigmentation, or a mole that’s changed in size or shape from a pencil eraser.
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