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High
risk factors
You
are at high risk for skin cancer if any of the following are true:
1. You have lightly pigmented skin
2. You have multiple moles
3. You have been exposed to considerable sun (aespecially if burned)
4. Skin cancer has occurred in your family
5. You have had skin cancer before
Early
detection and prevention
Early detection is by far the most effective weapon in the line of
defense against serious skin cancers. If any of the above risk factors
apply to you, be sure to discuss it with your dermatologist.
Avoiding sun exposure is another crucial step to take that can
dramatically reduce your risk of skin cancer. As much as you may enjoy
getting out in the sun, there is simply nothing worse for your skin. Sun
exposure destroys the collagen in your skin, and, besides causing
cosmetic damage, can also lead to skin cancer.
When you do go out in the sun, minimize your exposure by covering your
skin and using sunscreen correctly. Sunscreen with an SPF of 45-50 works
best, and should be applied approximately 30 minutes before exposure to
the sun. It is also important to reapply sunscreen.
A
new, exciting medication
New studies have shown that creams containing vitamins A and C can
significantly reduce your chances of skin cancer. As an added benefit,
these vitamins also reverse some of the other effects of sun exposure,
such as wrinkling, dark spots and overall sallow appearance.
Chemical
peels
It is also possible to reverse some of the changes that lead to skin
cancerthrough chemical peels. Some chemical peels can actually remove
the outer layers of the epidermis which have been damaged by the skin.
Thus, it is possible to undo the damage which could lead to skin cancer.
If you have questions about
preventing skin cancer, contact Dr. Caldwell or one of his staff.
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