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Archive for the ‘Skin Cancer’ Category

Checking For Skin Cancer In Winter Park

15 Jun

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.

Sun Protection

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.

 
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Posted in Skin Cancer

 

Winter Park Skin Care Risk

11 Jun

There are over one million people diagnosed with some form of skin cancer each and every year. This number is not expected to decline any time soon.  In fact, skin cancer is one of the most common cancers.

It is neither gender nor age specific.  It is however, one of the most preventable cancers as more than 90% of the cases are due to excessive exposure to the sun.

There are three common skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common. They are found in the upper layers of the skin.  They are highly preventable and highly curable although they can be disfiguring if left too long.

The third most serious skin cancer is Melanoma.  It too can be curable when caught early, but has the potential to be deadly when not.  Some melanomas are found in the upper layers of the skin, but many are more invasive and found in deeper layers.

No one is immune from getting a skin cancer, though some are at a much greater risk. Individuals who are at a greater risk are:

  • Those with a lighter skin tone.
  • Those who have had a history of skin cancer.
  • Those who have a family member with a history of skin cancer.
  • Anyone who work or play sports outside.
  • Those with a history of sunburns early in life.
  • Those whose hobbies are outside.
  • Those whose skin freckles, burns, or becomes red and painful in the sun.
  • Those with blue or green eyes.
  • Individuals with blond or red hair.

You should examine your skin regularly for any suspicious spots.  Especially those that continue to grow, change in color or shape.  An annual skin examination by a licensed Dermatologist in Winter Park is also recommended.

Some skin cancer examples are shown below:

Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

 
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Posted in Skin Cancer