Self-Skin Examinations & Sun Protection

Self- Skin Exams

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States; 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Although skin cancer can be deadly, when detected early is it often readily treatable. By performing self-exams of your skin each month, you can identify new skin growths to be evaluated by your dermatologist and contribute to the timely diagnosis and treatment of any potential skin cancers.

What to Look for

*New skin growths, especially:

  • Scaly or rough skin growth which may be tender

  • Scab or sore that does NOT heal within 3 weeks

  • Skin growth that bleeds

  • “Mole” with any of the following:

o   Asymmetry (one half looks different than the other half)

o   Irregular/jagged borders

o   More than 1 color (tan, brown, black, gray, pink or red)

o   Size >6mm (the size of a pencil eraser)

  • Pink or brown “streak” on one fingernail or toenail

*Changing skin growths; concerning signs may include:

  • Increasing size

  • Changes in color

  • Changes in shape

How to Exam Your Skin

Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the skin, including areas not regularly exposed to sun such as your scalp, buttocks & genitals, and hands & feet. Use a hand-held or floor-length mirror to help view all areas of your skin or have a friend/family member/partner assist you with the exam.

  • Head including scalp, nose, ears, eyelids, lips, inside the mouth

  • Neck

  • Chest including under the breasts

  • Abdomen

  • Back

  • Arms including armpits

  • Legs

  • Hands and feet including palms/soles and in-between the fingers/toes

  • Buttocks

  • Genitals

When To Contact Our Office

If you notice any new or changing skin lesions, please notify our office and schedule an appointment.  Do NOT try to determine if your skin lesions are worrisome or not without input from a board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Beasley.

Sun Protection

Why

  • Skin cancer prevention. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. Sun protection significantly reduces your risk of developing skin cancer. While preventing sunburns is important, daily sun exposure that causes tanned skin can also lead to skin cancer.

  • Premature skin aging. Sun protection helps to prevent wrinkles and “age” spots.

When

  • Everyday! 365 days per year, regardless of the weather or season. The sun’s rays can penetrate through clouds and the regular glass windows of homes and automobiles. For example, sun exposure accumulates while driving to work or walking into the grocery store.

How

Sun Avoidance

  • Avoid peak hours. The sun’s rays are most intense between 10a and 2pm.

  • Do NOT use indoor tanning beds. Using tanning beds can increase your risk of melanoma by nearly 60%, and the risk increases with each tanning bed session.

Protective Clothing

  • Wide-brimmed hats provide more protection than ball caps.

  • Sunglasses

  • Long-sleeves & pants including rash-guards for beach/outdoor swimming activities.

  • Consider UPF rated “sun-protective clothing”. Brands include: Coolibar and UV Skins

Sunscreen

Choosing a Sunscreen

3 sunscreen requirements:

  • SPF 30 (if darker skin type) -or- SPF 50 (if lighter skin type or history of skin cancer)

  • “Broad-spectrum” coverage (UVA/UVB protection), zinc-based sunscreens provide the best protection

  • Water-resistant

  • Avoid sprays. While convenient, sprays may not provide uniform sun protection.

Examples of Sunscreen Brands

For the Face:

*CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Mineral Face

*Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch for Faces

*Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin

Tinted Options (to replace make-up foundation)

*Cotz Prime & Protect tinted ($, online)

*IT Cosmetics CC Cream ($, online/Sephora/Ulta)

For the Body:

*CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Mineral Body

*Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral

*Bare Republic Mineral Cream or Mousse (Walmart)

*La-Roche Posay Antihelios Mineral ($, drugstore)

Applying Sunscreen

  • Apply generously. Most adults need at least one palm-full of sunscreen to cover their exposed skin.

  • Apply to all exposed skin. Don’t forget your scalp (if you have thinning hair), neck, ears, lips, the back of your hands & the top of your feet.

  • Reapply frequently, every 2 hours &/or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.