Skin cancer continues to top the list of common forms of cancer and is usually associated with abnormal skin cell growth. Skin cancer may develop anywhere on your skin, including your face, scalp, neck, ears, hands and arms, legs, and even in the hidden parts of your body. Cypress skin cancer center offers diagnoses, treatment, and prevention methods for skin cancer to help keep your skin healthy. While skin cancer can affect anyone, certain factors put you at more risk for cancer than others. However, sun exposure continues to be a major factor in causing skin cancer because of UV radiation. The discussion below gives an in-depth description of how sun exposure can damage your skin and how you can avoid it.
Sun Exposure
The sun has UV rays that, when you get exposed to them continually, may lead to the development of skin cancer. Therefore, you may develop skin cancer if you stay in the sun without any protection using sunscreen and clothes. Also, exposure to tanning beds and lamps may increase your risk for skin cancer because they contain UV rays that are not healthy for your skin in excessive quantities. You want to try the following practices to lower your risk of developing skin cancer from increased sun exposure.
Use Sunscreen
While sunscreen will not reduce all the potential harm that comes with UV rays, it protects your skin from possible sun damage that may cause melanoma. You can apply a generous amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen every time you go out, even on cloudy days. Reapply sunscreen on all your exposed skin every two hours, especially if you are sweating a lot.
Avoid Overhead Sun
You should know the hours at which the sun is at its strongest so you can stay indoors rather than spend time outside to prevent possible skin cancer. Clouds cannot offer full protection from UV rays, so stay in to avoid sunburns that will damage your skin. While inside, please avoid using tanning beds because they give out UV rays that could damage your skin and cause skin cancer.
Wear Protective Clothing
Alongside sunscreen, you can cover your skin with protective clothing, especially dark and tightly woven ones, to give you maximum protection from the sun. You can also purchase a recommended brand of photoprotective clothing to protect against sun exposure. Pair your clothing with sunglasses that block out UV rays.
Know About Sun-Sensitizing Medications
Lastly, you want to know about OTC medications and prescriptions that may make your skin more susceptible to sun damage. Therefore, ask your doctor about the side effects of every medication before using them so that you will take caution. You can take drugs and other sun-protection precautions to protect your skin.
Skin cancer can develop anywhere on your skin, whether exposed to the sun or the hidden body parts that do not easily see the light of day. It also can affect any skin tone, with people of darker complexions also suffering the same fate. Therefore, knowing what puts you at risk for skin cancer and what measures you can take to avoid this possibility is important.
