The first thing you should do is make sure that you stay out of the sun as much as possible. Stay in the shade and out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Use hats and clothing to keep your skin protected from the harmful effects of the sun.
Be aware that even when the sky is cloudy that you can still suffer from the effects of the sun. It is possible to burn your skin when it is cloudy outside. The same is true with swimming pools. Even if you are in the water, you can easily be sunburned.
Wearing sunscreen is important every time you go out in the sun. Generously apply SPF thirty or more every time. Reapplication is a must to insure your best chance of avoiding skin cancer. Remember if you are sweating or swimming to reapply after each time.
Children's skin is even more delicate than your own and therefore must be looked after carefully. However, it is important to remember that children who have not reached 6 months of age cannot wear sunscreen on their skin yet. With that in mind be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight at all times and remember to always keep their skin covered. Warn older children that prolonged unprotected exposure to the sun's harmful rays can eventually lead to skin cancer and that they would be safer in the shade.
Keep an eye on your skin for any changes to the growths that are preexisting or new ones that appear suddenly. Watch for growths that increase in size or become irregular in shape. You should also watch for transparent or multicolored growths on your skin. If you have wounds or cuts on your skin that will not heal have them checked out by your doctor.
It is important that you examine your skin every month. Even though this should be part of your routine check up at the doctor's office, it is also important to make it a habit to do so at home as well. This is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer. Examining your skin on a normal basis will allow you to detect any abnormalities. That way, if you see anything that does not look right, you can get treatment right away before it becomes too serious.
Author: M.B. Roberds
About the author:
Concerns about ways to prevent skin cancer? I offer more tips and recommendations about the ways to prevent skin cancer like what sunscreens and what happens when you get sunburned. Skin care should be important to everyone. The skin is the largest organ we have.
Article source: Free Cancer Articles.
