Blog
Melanoma - & How to stay protected during the summer
Friday 19th June 2020
Finally we are getting closer and closer to our summer beach holidays. We just can't wait to see blue ocean, white sand and lie down and enjoy the warm sun.
But please, keep in mind, that sun is a leading cause of deadliest type of skin cancer - Melanoma.
It is thought that most melanomas arise as a result of UV radiation exposure. There has been an alarming increase in melanoma diagnoses in younger patients, especially females, over the last several decades.
If diagnosed early, melanoma is a very curable cancer, as it typically just requires a simple excision of the lesion and close follow-up with your dermatologist. However, we know that melanoma can spread very quickly to other organs and wreak havoc on the body.
Here are a few ways to stay ahead of the curve:
-Schedule annual complete skin examinations with your dermatologist or Advanced skin therapists ( many salons now are trying staff to recognise the signs or melanoma - we are one of those salons ) however we cannot diagnosis but we can simply warn our clients to seek medical advice if we notice regularities within your skin.
-Look at your moles on a monthly basis for any suspicious lesions. A useful tool to identify any suspicious spots is the ABCDEs of melanoma.
A is asymmetry
B is border irregularity
C is color
D is diameter (anything bigger than 6mm)
E is evolving (this is the most indicative sign that something may be going awry)
- Anytime you notice a spot on your body changing, bleeding, crusting, or growing bring it to the attention of a health care professional.
- Protect your skin by seeking shade, wearing physical sunscreens with zinc and titanium dioxide, and protective clothing. Avoid being in the sun between 10am-4pm, as that is when the sun is strongest.
- Do not use tanning beds and avoid blistering sunburns.