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Summer may be almost over, but there are still many people who spend a lot of time outdoors: beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, and parks.
It’s important not to damage the summer rays, especially if you’re postponing your regular check-up dues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Everyone is susceptible to the sun’s harmful effects, regardless of skin color, health experts told Fox News Digital.
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They said taking steps to protect your skin from sun exposure may reduce your risk of skin cancer and premature aging such as age spots, wrinkles and sagging.
Doctors recommend that when you book time at the beach, golf course, or wherever you go, don’t forget to also schedule a regular skin check-up with a dermatologist. You should carry (and use) sunscreen.
“Annual exams that include a full body exam from the scalp to the toes are recommended,” said David Page Smith, professor of dermatology and surgery at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. Dr. J. Reffel told Fox News Digital.
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It’s important for everyone to get checked, especially if they’ve had a history of sunburn as a child, or if they work or participate in recreational activities in the sun.
Also, fair skin, fair hair, and blue/green eyes are additional reasons to get tested.
Dr. Anthony M. Rossi, MD, specializes in dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and laser surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
The assistant doctor said that annual skin exams are important for everyone, but “The skin check should be used to identify specific individuals, such as those with a history of melanoma or skin cancer, a strong family history of melanoma, a prevalent mole or redhead phenotype, and new or rapidly changing lesions.” important for people in subgroups of
A dermatologist is inundated with calls requesting appointments for annual exams, so she schedules appointments months in advance.
Jen Black, who works at Wesson Dermatology in Great Neck, N.Y., told Fox News Digital that many patients postponed skin checks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Black said the surge in patients had returned and people felt it was safer to do the test now. Because of this, we are booking several months in advance.
How to identify suspicious spots
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer, but skin cancer is highly treatable if detected early.
The main types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Melanoma is less common, but more likely to invade tissues and spread to other parts of the body, according to the AAD. is the cause.
“My rule of thumb is, ‘If in doubt, check it out.'”
Dermatologists said it’s important to do a self-skin check to identify any suspicious spots that may need further evaluation by a doctor.
Dr. Leffell told Fox Digital News:
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Patients often have their own sense that something isn’t right, he said.
“Certainly, pain that does not heal after four to six weeks, or that recurs after it has healed, should be evaluated by a dermatologist or general practitioner.” Please. ”
How to self-check
The American Academy of Dermatology provided the following tips on how to perform a self-skin check.
Check your body in a full-length mirror
Check your front and back in the mirror
Look left and right with arms raised
Look at your armpits, forearms and palms
Look at the front and back of your legs, between your toes, and on the soles of your feet.
Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part the hair to get a closer look at the scalp.
Check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror
Choice of sunscreen and sunscreen
Dermatologists say everyone is susceptible to the sun’s harmful effects, regardless of skin color.
The AAD said it’s important to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Sunscreen and sunscreen are two terms used to describe the chemical filters in sunscreen products, Dr. Rossi said.
Memorial Sloan Kettering surgeons say chemical sunscreens typically contain chemical filters called avobenzone and oxybenzone, but sunscreens use physical blocking mineral-based filters such as zinc and titanium oxide. It is
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To clarify, Rossi said, “We primarily use the word sunscreen to indicate physical versus chemical.”
“I like mineral sunscreens, historically known as sunscreens. The two mineral ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide,” he said. increase.
“Heavy, thick sunscreens are less desirable than sunscreens that feel light.”
When choosing a chemical-based sunscreen, it is important that it is broad spectrum, covering both UVA and UVB.
Mineral sunscreens tend to be less irritating, says Rossi, who is also the founder of the Dr. Rossi Derm MD Skincare line.
“Chemical filters are a more common cause of irritation and allergies to sunscreens. If you do, try a mineral-based one because it could be a chemical sunscreen,” Rossi told Fox News Digital.
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In addition to preventing skin cancer, sunscreen products can also prevent UV-induced photoaging and UV-induced hyperpigmentation, says Rossi.
“UVA also penetrates clouds and window glass, which is important for patients who have hyperpigmentation problems after conditions such as inflammation and melasma,” warns Rossi.
Doctors say use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) and actually apply it to your skin.
Seek shade between 10am and 2pm, when the sun is particularly strong.
“The most important thing is whether a particular sunscreen is comfortable enough on the skin that the person can use it regularly.”
If you’re concerned about the chemicals in your sunscreen, he says, “zinc oxide, a mineral sunscreen product, is your best bet.”
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AAD said that aside from applying sunscreen, it’s important to wear sun protection clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses when spending time outdoors this summer.
The association also recommends seeking shade, especially between 10am and 2pm, when the sun is at its strongest.