Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States? It’s estimated that 1 in 5 people will get skin cancer during their lifetime. But the good news is that it’s also one of the most preventable cancers. EARH’s dermatology specialists can help you care for your skin, detect potential issues early, and prevent more serious conditions from developing.
Protecting your skin should be a key part of your daily routine. Whether you are spending your summer gardening outside or going out for sunny walks around Ritzville, here’s what you need to know about caring for your skin and preventing skin cancer.
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Why Sun Protection Matters (All Year Long)
Most of us associate sunscreen with the summer—after all, warmer temperatures mean more of us are spending time outside. But UV rays don’t wait for summer vacation to start doing damage. They can damage your skin even through a window, on cloudy days, or during the colder seasons of the year.
Sun damage builds over time and can lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and more serious health concerns like skin cancer. Everyone, regardless of age or skin tone, can be affected. Even people who tan easily or rarely burn can develop skin cancer after prolonged sun exposure. Even five or ten minutes of daily exposure can add up.
Because of this, our dermatology specialists encourage year-round skin protection. Your skin needs protection from UV rays, regardless of season or weather.
What Dermatology Specialists Want You to Know About Sunscreen
If you only put sunscreen on at the pool or the park, you probably aren’t doing enough to protect your skin. A quick, daily application can make a big difference in your long-term skin health.
Here’s what dermatology specialists recommend when it comes to sunscreen:
- Use SPF 30 or higher. Anything below 30 won’t provide enough protection from UVB rays.
- Look for sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage. This will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Apply it daily. Make sunscreen part of your morning routine, just like brushing your teeth.
- Reapply throughout the day. You should reapply more often if you are sweating or spending time outside.
When applying sunscreen, remember not to neglect commonly overlooked spots like your ears, lips, scalp, neck, or tops of the feet. Skin cancer isn’t picky about where it starts.
Know the Signs: When to See a Dermatologist
Like many health concerns, early detection is key when it comes to treating skin cancer. You can use the ABCDEs of melanoma to determine if you should see a dermatologist:
- A for Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other
- B for Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred
- C for Color: Multiple or uneven coloring
- D for Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser
- E for Evolving: Changing in size, shape, or color.
While not every changing mole is cancerous, it’s always worth having it looked at. If you notice a new or changing spot on your skin, take the time to get it checked out. Our dermatology team can perform full-body skin checks and biopsies as needed.
How EARH Dermatology Specialists Help You Protect Your Skin
Are you worried about a suspicious-looking mole? Or do you need help managing a skin condition like eczema? Our dermatology specialists are here to provide expert care that’s close to home. Bring your concerns to your local professionals—our team can diagnose and treat skin cancer, help manage skin conditions, and advise you on protecting your skin year-round.
Now is the perfect time to get your skin checked! On our website, you can learn more about our dermatology services or make an appointment with our skincare team.
