A patient came in reporting that she had something suspicious on her ankle and it turned out to be basal cell cancer. She asked me how could she get cancer on her ankle? My response “when was the last time you put sunscreen on your ankles?” This is a cautionary tale to all my patients. Sunscreen is not just for your face; it’s for every part of your body that you expose to the sun.
With summer here and people being out in the sun wearing shorts, sandals, short sleeve or sleeveless tops, and bathing suits, you need to cover up and use more sunscreen. Whatever parts that didn’t see daylight all winter are now being exposed. There’s no exception to this rule. Your ears. Your ankles. Your toes. Whatever and wherever.
When I do an annual exam for my patients, I check between the toes, behind the ears, the scalp, as well as larger body parts.
You need to understand that skin cancer is nondiscriminatory; it will attack anywhere skin is exposed. And you need to protect against it. If you haven’t already developed and follow good sun protection behavior, you should start immediately.
Preventive Strategies
Here are some essential strategies to protect yourself against skin cancer:
- Use Sunscreen Daily: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, and hands. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating heavily. There are lots of new sunscreens on the market, including sprays and powders, that are less greasy.
- Cover Up: Wearing protective clothing can provide an additional barrier against harmful UV rays. Some clothing and accessories offer broad spectrum UPF 50+ protection. Hats, especially with a broad brim are great, and remember your sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from sun damage.
- Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When outdoors, seek shade under trees, umbrellas, and other sun blocking areas.
- Be Mindful of Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, acne treatments, and some antidepressants, can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Check with us about potential side effects and take extra precautions when exposed to the sun.
- Check Your Skin Regularly: Perform self-examinations of your skin every month to look for any changes or abnormalities, such as new moles, changes in the size or color of existing moles, or unusual bumps or patches. If you notice any concerning changes, consult with us. And don’t skip your annual skin screening, which can help detect skin cancer early when it is most treatable.
It’s not too late to start now
By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Feel free to contact us about this or any medical and cosmetic dermatological service.