Checking For Skin Cancer In Winter Park

In the harsh summer sun of Winter Park, there is an increased risk of skin cancer. The key to treatment is early detection, so you should regularly check your skin for signs of skin cancer.

How do we examine our skin?

• A mirror or mirrors will be helpful as there are areas that are not easily visible.  Such as your back area.
• Starting with your head. Examine entire face. Include eyes, ears, nose and lips.
• Next check your neck, shoulders, abdomen and chest.  If you are female you may need to lift your breasts.
• Examine your fingers, hands, arms, nail beds and under your arms. Be sure to check between fingers and toes.
• The mirrors will not help you to examine your entire back, neck, buttocks, genital area.
• Examine the front and back of your legs, shins, ankles, toes and soles of your feet.
• Finally, part you hair in small sections and examine the scalp.

What to look for:

• Any new growths or sores that bleed or do not heal after 2 to 3 months
• An irregularly colored spot whose border extends into surrounding skin
• A growth that has a change in sensation — itchiness, tenderness, or pain
• A mole whose surface starts to scale, bleed or both.
• The appearance of a nodule or bump that may or may not grow rapidly

Simple things we can do to protect our skin:

• Use of sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 30 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection. Put it on before leaving the house. Reapply frequently.
• Wear clothing that protects exposed skin. Loose fitting clothing or beach cover-up.
• Wear a hat that covers face, neck and ears.  A canvas hat, works best. Avoid a baseball hat as it doesn’t provide protection for the skin on your neck or ears.
• Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. This will help prevent cataracts in the future.
• During midday stay in shaded areas, avoiding midday sun. An umbrella or a shade tree can provide much needed shade.

Most of us came to Winter Park, Florida to enjoy the tropical paradise.  Enjoy it safely by proper skin protection and yearly visits to your dermatologist.