Summer days were meant for fun in the sun, right? Right! But that doesn’t mean you can bypass sun safety measures during the warmer months. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga wants you to know what you can do to protect your skin this summer. Read on as we take a look.
When Do I Need to Worry About Skin Cancer?
Did you know that skin cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the United States? One in five Americans will develop skin cancer before age 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. But while the condition is common, it’s also largely treatable—when detected early.Skin Cancer Symptoms
- Large brownish spot with darker speckles
- Changes in color, size or feel of a mole
- A mole that bleeds
- A small lesion with an irregular border
- A lesion that appears red, pink, white, blue or blue-black
- Itching or burning of a painful lesion
Is Sunscreen All I Need to Prevent Skin Cancer?
In short, no. While sunscreen is an essential first step in skin cancer prevention, it’s not the only thing you can do.Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer
- Limit your time outdoors during the hottest hours, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Cover up when outside at the lake, beach or pool.
- Wear sunscreen on your lips, ears and the tops of your feet.
- Wear a hat and UVA or UVB sunglasses.
- Consider sitting under an umbrella or other shade when outdoors.
