All About Dermatology
Dermatology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the skin. Dermatologists treat people of all ages and ethnicities and for various conditions ranging from clearing up cosmetic issues to addressing life-threatening cancers.
Why go to a dermatologist?
Common reasons to see a dermatologist include issues with acne, rashes, or other skin conditions. Many people first go to a dermatologist for a screening to see if any of their moles are cancerous or precancerous and need treatment. However, annual skin checks are recommended regardless of any identified concerns.
Universal Preventative Measures
In addition to annual check-ups, everyone should implement a daily routine to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer. Follow these tips to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays and reduce your risk of skin cancer:
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- Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily. Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
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- Use sunscreen whenever you are outside, even on cloudy days and during winter months.
- Apply enough sunscreen to cover all skin not covered by clothing.
- Don’t forget to apply to the tops of your feet, neck, ears, and the top of your head (if possible).
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- When outdoors, apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Wear sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection, whenever possible. Select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label for more effective sun protection.
- Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand, as they reflect the sun’s damaging rays, increasing your chance of sunburn.
- Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from tanning beds can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging.
- Some medications cause people to be very sensitive to sun exposure, such as antihistamines, antibiotics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, cardiovascular drugs, or oral medications for diabetes. Ask your doctor about any medications you take, and be sure to take necessary precautions.
- Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily. Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
Whether you’re exposed to the sun’s UV rays or visit an indoor tanning salon, every time you tan, your skin is damaged. As this damage builds, you speed up the aging of your skin and increase your risk for all types of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Thus, everyone should perform regular skin self-exams to detect any changing or emerging concerns as early as possible. Skin cancer is most treatable when caught early, so make an appointment with a dermatologist if you notice new or suspicious spots on your skin or anything changing, itching, or bleeding. Even if you don’t have any skin concerns, it’s a good idea to have yearly skin cancer screening checks with a dermatologist – regardless of how diligent you are with applying sunscreen! Your doctor can see areas of your body that you can’t easily monitor.
Let your Care Manager know if you have any questions, would like any help finding a provider, or get any appointments scheduled!
Understanding and practicing preventive care is so important to living a healthy life. If you need help finding a provider, scheduling an appointment, or would like assistance understanding your health and healthcare services better, please reach out to your care manager. We’re here to help!