4 Tips for Skin Cancer Prevention

Skin cancers are cancers that arise from the skin. Skin cancers include basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. There's a lot you can do to protect yourself from skin cancer. Three Rivers Dermatology offers a full range of dermatological services, located in Coraopolis, PA. Dr. Damon McClain and Dr. Susannah Berke are some of the top dermatologists in PA. Here are several tips for skin cancer prevention.

1. Cover Up When Outside- Clothing protects you from the sun's harmful UV rays. When going outside, cover up with long-sleeve shirts, long skirts or pants, UV-blocking sunglasses, and broad-brimmed hats. These types of sun-protective clothing are great for avoiding skin cancer, according to your Pittsburgh dermatologist. Sun protective clothing is produced from a fabric rated for its level of UV protection. Broad-brimmed hats provide more protection than visors or baseball caps go.

2. Avoid Tanning Beds- Indoor tanning is dangerous. Indoor tanning beds expose users to UVA and UVB rays, which damage the DNA of skin cells and could lead to skin cancer. Every time you tan in an indoor tanning bed, you increase your risk of getting skin cancer. If you want that sun-kissed look, consider sunless tanning products. 

3. Use SPF Every Day- Sunscreens are designed to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that's at least SPF 30. Put it on about 20 minutes before you go outside. Apply sunscreen to all skin that will not be covered by clothing. Reapply every two hours, or after sweating or swimming.

4. Get a Cancer Screening- A skin cancer screening, also called a skin exam, is a visual examination of your skin by your Pittsburgh dermatologist. No blood work is conducted at the screening. Skin cancer can be serious and sometimes even deadly. Annual skin exams are the key to diagnosing the disease at an early stage when it is most easily cured. 

Ready to take control of your health? Call Three Rivers Dermatology at (412) 262-4911 today to schedule your annual skin cancer screening in our office in Coraopolis, PA. A simple skin cancer screening by Dr. Damon McClain and Dr. Susannah Berke could save your life.