What are the key warning signs of melanoma. How can you use the ABCDE method to detect skin cancer early. Why is early detection crucial for melanoma survival rates. What is the Ugly Duckling sign in melanoma identification. How can you perform regular skin self-exams to catch melanoma early.

Understanding Melanoma: The Importance of Early Detection

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that requires prompt attention and early detection for the best possible outcomes. When identified in its early stages, melanoma has a remarkable 99% five-year survival rate in the United States. However, this rate drops significantly to 68% if the cancer reaches the lymph nodes and plummets to a mere 30% if it spreads to distant organs. These statistics underscore the critical importance of recognizing melanoma warning signs and seeking immediate medical attention.

To aid in early detection, dermatologists and skin cancer experts have developed several methods and guidelines. These include the widely-used ABCDE method and the Ugly Duckling sign. By familiarizing yourself with these techniques and performing regular skin self-examinations, you can significantly increase your chances of identifying potential melanomas at their earliest and most treatable stages.

The ABCDE Method: A Comprehensive Guide to Melanoma Warning Signs

The ABCDE method is a simple yet effective tool for identifying potential melanomas. Each letter represents a characteristic to look out for when examining moles or skin lesions:

• A – Asymmetry: Most melanomas are asymmetrical, meaning if you draw a line through the middle of the lesion, the two halves won’t match.
• B – Border: Melanoma borders tend to be uneven, often with scalloped or notched edges, unlike the smoother borders of benign moles.
• C – Color: Multiple colors within a single mole are a warning sign. Melanomas may display various shades of brown, tan, or black, and as they progress, colors like red, white, or blue may appear.
• D – Diameter or Dark: Any lesion larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) should be examined. Some experts also emphasize checking for moles that are darker than others, regardless of size.
• E – Evolving: Any change in a mole’s size, shape, color, or elevation, or new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting, could indicate melanoma.

By regularly checking your skin for these characteristics, you can become more adept at identifying potential melanomas and seeking timely medical attention.

The Ugly Duckling Sign: A Complementary Approach to Melanoma Detection

While the ABCDE method focuses on individual mole characteristics, the Ugly Duckling sign takes a comparative approach. This concept is based on the observation that most normal moles on an individual’s body tend to resemble one another. In contrast, melanomas often stand out as noticeably different or “ugly ducklings” compared to surrounding moles.

When examining your skin, pay attention to any moles that appear distinctly different from others in terms of size, shape, color, or overall appearance. These outliers warrant closer inspection and potentially professional evaluation. The Ugly Duckling sign is particularly useful for identifying melanomas that may not exhibit all the classic ABCDE characteristics but still deviate from the norm for your skin.

Key Points to Remember About the Ugly Duckling Sign:

• Compare suspicious spots to surrounding moles
• Look for moles that are larger, smaller, lighter, or darker than nearby moles
• Pay attention to isolated lesions without surrounding moles for comparison
• Trust your instincts if a mole simply looks “off” compared to others

Challenging Melanoma Presentations: Beyond the Typical Warning Signs

While the ABCDE method and Ugly Duckling sign are invaluable tools for melanoma detection, it’s crucial to understand that not all melanomas follow these typical patterns. Some melanomas can be particularly tricky to identify, even for trained professionals. Awareness of these atypical presentations can help you remain vigilant and seek medical attention for any suspicious skin changes.

Amelanotic Melanomas: The Colorless Threat

Amelanotic melanomas lack the dark pigment melanin that gives most moles their characteristic color. These melanomas can be pinkish, reddish, white, skin-colored, or even clear and colorless. Their lack of pigmentation makes them especially challenging to detect, as they may not exhibit the typical color variations associated with melanoma.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (ALM): Hidden in Plain Sight

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is a subtype of melanoma that often appears in less visible areas of the body. It is the most common form of melanoma found in people of color and can develop in the following locations:

• Under the fingernails or toenails
• On the palms of the hands
• On the soles of the feet

Due to their location, ALMs can often go unnoticed for extended periods, highlighting the importance of thorough skin examinations that include these often-overlooked areas.

Comprehensive Skin Self-Examination: Your First Line of Defense

Regular skin self-examinations are crucial for early melanoma detection. By thoroughly checking your skin on a monthly basis, you can familiarize yourself with your normal moles and skin marks, making it easier to identify new or changing lesions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting a comprehensive skin self-exam:

1. Examine your face, including your nose, lips, mouth, and ears (front and back).
2. Check your scalp, using a blow dryer and mirror to expose each section.
3. Inspect your hands, including palms, backs, between fingers, and under fingernails.
4. Examine your wrists, front and back of your forearms, and upper arms.
5. Scan your neck, chest, and torso. Women should check under their breasts.
6. Use a hand mirror to check your back, buttocks, and the back of your neck.
7. Sit down and examine your legs, including thighs, shins, ankles, and feet.
8. Check the soles of your feet, between toes, and under toenails.

Remember to use both a full-length mirror and a hand mirror to view hard-to-see areas. Good lighting is essential for an effective self-examination.

When to Seek Professional Help: Trusting Your Instincts

While regular self-examinations are invaluable, they should not replace professional skin checks. Schedule an annual skin exam with a dermatologist, especially if you have risk factors for melanoma such as a personal or family history of skin cancer, fair skin, or a history of excessive sun exposure.

Moreover, trust your instincts when it comes to your skin health. If you notice any of the following, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist:

• A new mole or freckle that appears on your skin
• An existing mole that starts changing (growing, swelling, itching)
• A sore or spot that does not heal
• Any spot, mole, or lesion that looks unusual or concerning

Remember, early detection is key in successfully treating melanoma. When in doubt, it’s always better to have a suspicious spot checked by a professional.

Melanoma Prevention: Reducing Your Risk

While early detection is crucial, taking steps to prevent melanoma is equally important. Here are some strategies to reduce your risk of developing this serious form of skin cancer:

Sun Protection

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a major risk factor for melanoma. Protect your skin by:

• Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily
• Seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm)
• Wearing protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses
• Avoiding tanning beds and sunlamps, which emit harmful UV radiation

Know Your Risk Factors

Understanding your personal risk factors can help you take appropriate preventive measures. Risk factors for melanoma include:

• Fair skin, light hair, and light eyes
• Personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
• History of severe sunburns, especially in childhood
• Presence of many moles or atypical moles
• Weakened immune system

If you have one or more of these risk factors, be extra vigilant about sun protection and regular skin checks.

Advances in Melanoma Treatment: Hope on the Horizon

While prevention and early detection remain the best strategies against melanoma, significant advances in treatment have improved outcomes for patients with more advanced disease. Some of the promising developments in melanoma treatment include:

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy treatments, such as checkpoint inhibitors, have revolutionized melanoma care. These drugs work by boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells more effectively. They have shown remarkable success in some patients with advanced melanoma, leading to long-term remissions in cases that were previously considered untreatable.

Targeted Therapies

For melanomas with specific genetic mutations, targeted therapies can be highly effective. These drugs target the specific molecular changes that drive the growth of melanoma cells. BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors are examples of targeted therapies that have significantly improved survival rates for patients with BRAF-mutated melanomas.

Combination Approaches

Combining different treatment modalities, such as immunotherapy with targeted therapy or radiation therapy, has shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with advanced melanoma. These combination approaches aim to leverage the strengths of multiple treatments while potentially overcoming resistance mechanisms.

Personalized Medicine

Advances in genetic testing and molecular profiling are enabling more personalized treatment approaches for melanoma patients. By analyzing the specific genetic characteristics of a patient’s tumor, doctors can tailor treatments to target the unique features of each individual’s cancer.

While these advancements offer hope, they also underscore the importance of early detection. The earlier melanoma is caught, the more treatment options are available, and the better the chances of a positive outcome.

Building a Comprehensive Skin Health Strategy

Protecting yourself against melanoma and other skin cancers requires a multifaceted approach. By combining regular self-examinations, professional skin checks, sun protection measures, and awareness of your personal risk factors, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing melanoma or catch it at its earliest, most treatable stage.

Key Components of a Skin Health Strategy:

1. Monthly self-examinations using the ABCDE method and Ugly Duckling sign
2. Annual professional skin checks with a dermatologist
3. Daily sun protection, including sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade-seeking behavior
4. Awareness of personal risk factors and family history
5. Prompt attention to any new, changing, or unusual skin spots
6. Healthy lifestyle choices that support overall skin health, such as a balanced diet and avoiding tobacco use

Remember, your skin is your body’s largest organ and a crucial barrier against environmental threats. By prioritizing your skin health and staying vigilant for signs of melanoma, you’re taking an important step in protecting your overall health and well-being.

In conclusion, while melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer, advances in early detection methods and treatment options have significantly improved outcomes for many patients. By familiarizing yourself with the warning signs, performing regular self-examinations, and seeking prompt medical attention for any suspicious skin changes, you can play an active role in protecting yourself against this potentially life-threatening disease. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize your skin health as an integral part of your overall wellness strategy.

Melanoma Warning Signs and Images

Finding melanoma at an early stage is crucial; early detection can vastly increase your chances for cure.

Look for anything new, changing or unusual on both sun-exposed and sun-protected areas of the body. Melanomas commonly appear on the legs of women. The number one place they develop on men is the trunk. Keep in mind, though, that melanomas can arise anywhere on the skin, even in areas where the sun doesn’t shine.

Most moles, brown spots and growths on the skin are harmless – but not always. The ABCDEs and the Ugly Duckling sign can help you detect melanoma.

Early detection makes a difference

99%
5-year survival rate for patients in the U.S. whose melanoma is detected early. The survival rate drops to 68% if the disease reaches the lymph nodes and
30% if it spreads to distant organs.

The ABCDEs of melanoma

The first five letters of the alphabet are a guide to help you recognize the warning signs of melanoma.

A is for Asymmetry. Most melanomas are asymmetrical. If you draw a line through the middle of the lesion, the two halves don’t match, so it looks different from a round to oval and symmetrical common mole.

B is for Border. Melanoma borders tend to be uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges. Common moles tend to have smoother, more even borders.

C is for Color. Multiple colors are a warning sign. While benign moles are usually a single shade of brown, a melanoma may have different shades of brown, tan or black. As it grows, the colors red, white or blue may also appear.

D is for Diameter or Dark. While it’s ideal to detect a melanoma when it is small, it’s a warning sign if a lesion is the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 mm, or ¼ inch in diameter) or larger. Some experts say it is important to look for any lesion, no matter what size, that is darker than others. Rare, amelanotic melanomas are colorless.

E is for Evolving. Any change in size, shape, color or elevation of a spot on your skin, or any new symptom in it, such as bleeding, itching or crusting, may be a warning sign of melanoma.

If you notice these warning signs and symptoms, or see anything NEW, CHANGING or UNUSUAL on your skin see a dermatologist promptly.

A is for Asymmetry

B is for Border

C is for Color

D is for Diameter or Dark

E is for Evolving (Before)

E is for Evolving (After)

Please note: Since not all melanomas have the same appearance, these photos serve as a general reference for what melanoma can look like. If you see anything NEW, CHANGING or UNUSUAL on your skin, go get checked by a dermatologist.

Look out for an ugly duckling

The Ugly Duckling is another warning sign of melanoma. This recognition strategy is based on the concept that most normal moles on your body resemble one another, while melanomas stand out like ugly ducklings in comparison. This highlights the importance of not just checking for irregularities, but also comparing any suspicious spot to surrounding moles to determine whether it looks different from its neighbors. These ugly duckling lesions can be larger, smaller, lighter or darker, compared to surrounding moles. Also, isolated lesions without surrounding moles for comparison are considered ugly ducklings.

Melanoma can be tricky

Identifying a potential skin cancer is not easy, and not all melanomas follow the rules. Melanomas come in many forms and may display none of the typical warning signs.

It’s also important to note that about 20 to 30 percent of melanomas develop in existing moles, while 70 to 80 percent arise on seemingly normal skin.

Amelanotic melanomas are missing the dark pigment melanin that gives most moles their color. Amelanotic melanomas may be pinkish, reddish, white, the color of your skin or even clear and colorless, making them difficult to recognize.

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), the most common form of melanoma found in people of color, often appears in hard-to-spot places, including under the fingernails or toenails, on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. View images.

The takeaway: Be watchful for any new mole or freckle that arises on your skin, a sore or spot that does not heal, any existing mole that starts changing (growing, swelling, itching) or any spot, mole or lesion that looks unusual.

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is the most common melanoma found in people of color.

What you can do

Check yourself: No matter your risk, examine your skin head-to-toe once a month to identify potential skin cancers early. Take note of existing moles or lesions that grow or change. Learn how to check your skin here.

When in doubt, check it out. Because melanoma can be so dangerous once it advances, follow your instincts. Visit your doctor if you see a spot that just doesn’t seem right.

Keep in mind that while important, monthly self-exams are not enough. See your dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.

If you’ve had a melanoma, follow up regularly with your doctor once treatment is complete. Stick to the schedule your doctor recommends. This ensures that you identify any recurrence as early as possible.

Reviewed by:
Allan C. Halpern, MD
Ashfaq A. Marghoob, MD
Ofer Reiter, MD

Last updated: January 2021

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Skin Cancer Pictures – The Skin Cancer Foundation

Skin cancer can happen to anyone, at any age, on any part of the body. And because skin cancers appear in many shapes and sizes, they can be challenging to identify. While skin cancer pictures can be helpful in learning what skin cancer can look like, getting to know your own skin and understanding what to look for can help you detect cancer early when it’s easiest to cure.

That’s why you should examine your skin once a month. If you see something NEW, CHANGING OR UNUSUAL – even if it looks nothing like what you see in photos – do not wait! Get it checked by a dermatologist right away. Finding and treating skin cancer early can save your life.

Skin Cancer Image Gallery

What does cancer look like on skin? Below is a selection of photos that give you a general idea about what skin cancers can look like. Remember that skin cancers can look quite different from one person to another due to skin tone, size and type of skin cancer and location on the body. Skin cancer can be tricky in other ways, too. For example, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is often pigmented tan, brown, black, even blue. But amelanotic melanoma lacks pigment and appears as a skin-tone or pink lesion.

To sum it up, while photos can be helpful, getting your skin examined by a dermatologist is the most vital step in identifying and treating skin cancer.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma Photos
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma Photos
• Melanoma Photos
• Merkel Cell Carcinoma Photos
• Actinic Keratosis
• Rare Skin Cancers

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Photos

For information on basal cell carcinoma signs and symptoms, visit our BCC Warning Signs page.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Images

For information on squamous cell carcinoma signs and symptoms, visit our SCC Warning Signs page.

Melanoma Photos

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) Pictures

For information on Merkel cell carcinoma signs and symptoms, visit our MCC Warning Signs page.

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis (also known as solar keratosis) is the most common precancer. For more photos and information on actinic keratosis warning signs and symptoms, visit our Actinic Keratosis Warning Signs page.

Rare Skin Cancers

Please visit our Rare skin cancers page for more information and pictures of rare skin cancers such as:

• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
• Kaposi’s sarcoma
• Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC)
• Sebaceous carcinoma
• Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
• Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD)

For links to more comprehensive skin cancer information, visit our Skin Cancer 101 page.

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Moles: is it worth it to be afraid?

Almost everyone has some number of moles, which usually appear in childhood and adolescence.

Almost everyone has some number of moles that usually appear during childhood and adolescence. The medical name is nevus (naevus maternus), a malformation of the skin, in which certain parts of it differ in color and / or a special warty appearance of the surface.

Many skin and subcutaneous neoplasms are quite common, and a careful examination by an oncologist is sufficient for a preliminary diagnosis. Most skin tumors are benign, but malignant tumors are also not uncommon, so early and accurate diagnosis is extremely important.

To provoke a mole to rebirth, of course, a push, an irritant is needed. The strongest irritant of all possible is excessive exposure to the sun.
Ultraviolet irradiation in high doses causes irreversible changes in skin cells, greatly increasing the risk of their degeneration. For each person, the critical amount of insolation is purely individual. It is not easy to determine this line, so it is better to just remember that prolonged exposure to the sun is harmful to the body. The skin is forced to protect itself from ultraviolet radiation. Excessive tanning is inevitable burns that “hit” the skin’s immunity.

The second common cause of tumor development is trauma to the mole. Therefore, if you touched it with your fingernail, inadvertently damaged it with a washcloth, with some sharp object, especially if these injuries are permanent (for example, from underwear), be sure to see a doctor. Teach your children from childhood to take care of small marks on the skin.
Because birthmarks are very common and melanomas are rare, prophylactic mole removal is not warranted. Look at the mole at an angle, take a magnifying glass: a uniform color, a smooth edge, a transition of the “skin pattern” from an area with a normal color to a pigmented area, the presence of hair is a good sign.

However, if the mole suddenly increases in size (especially if there are uneven edges), darkens, becomes inflamed, becomes mottled, starts to bleed, ulcerates, itches or hurts, the “lacquer” surface of the mole, the special pattern of the edge – alarm!
Having found possible signs of degeneration of a mole, be sure to consult an oncologist.

It is important to remember that all removed moles are subject to mandatory morphological (histological) examination, because the final diagnosis for the morphologist. Only he, through a microscope, knows the danger in person.

Signs of malignant transformation of pigmented neoplasms according to the “BLOW” scheme:

• Growth acceleration
• Diameter over 6 mm
• Asymmetry, irregular shape
• Multicolour, change in color of one of the sections

More than a hundred oncological diseases are known to science, but melanoma among them is the recognized “insidious and evil queen”. The insidiousness and aggressiveness of this type of skin cancer is unparalleled. Once having arisen, the disease can imperceptibly develop in the superficial layers of the skin for 5–50 (!) years. Then, having chosen the weakest place on the skin – a mole or a pigment spot, single cells of a ripening tumor begin to grow in depth.

In order not to start the problem, you just need to be a little more attentive to yourself and not miss the first alarming symptoms. About how serious your concerns are, you need to consult with an oncologist. Self-treatment of age spots and moles is dangerous, but self-examination is welcome!
In case of any even slight suspicions, it is necessary to visit an oncologist. In such situations, correspondence consultations and consultations of cosmetologists are unacceptable!

What are moles?

Lentigo (marginal) is a flat, evenly pigmented brownish-brown to black patch resulting from an increase in the number of melanocytes at the border of the epidermis and dermis (skin layers). Compared to freckles, lentigines are darker and less common; moreover, their color does not increase and the number does not increase under the influence of solar radiation.
Epidermal-dermal nevi – usually flat, but sometimes slightly raised above the level of the skin. Coloring from light brown to almost black, sizes – from 1 to 10 mm. Birthmarks on the palms, soles, and genital area are usually epidermal-dermal.
Complex nevi – more often have a dark color due to the accumulation of melanocytes and to some extent rise above the level of the skin.
Intradermal nevi elevated above skin level; their color varies from flesh to black, and the surface may be smooth, hairy, or warty.
Sutton’s nevi are pigmented birthmarks (usually complex and intradermal nevi) surrounded by a ring of depigmented (unstained) skin. Sutton’s nevi disappear spontaneously, and only in rare cases give rise to malignant melanomas.
Dysplastic nevi are pigmented spots of irregular shape and indistinct borders, slightly elevated above the level of the skin, their color varies from reddish-brown to dark brown on a pink background. Dysplastic nevi first attracted attention with their unusual appearance and increased frequency in some families (inherited).
Blue nevi – rising above the skin, sometimes hemispherical formation, dense, usually with a smooth surface, blue, blue, occasionally brown, with a clear border, ranging in size from 0. 5 to 2.0 cm, without hairline. The preferred localization is the face, limbs, buttocks.
Giant pigmented nevus – is most often congenital and increases as the child grows. These nevi have a flat surface and can occupy significant areas of the skin of the trunk, limbs, and face. The predominant color is brown, grayish, black.

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Signs of skin cancer on the website of the Orenburg hospital

Causes of skin cancer are not well understood. Several factors are known to increase the risk of developing skin cancer. These factors include:

1. Prolonged sun exposure (sun exposure) is the most important risk factor for skin cancer. Typically, skin cancer develops in exposed areas of the body that are exposed to the ultraviolet rays of sunlight.
2. White skin, or skin that contains little melanin, is more likely to develop cancer. Melanin is a dark pigment that is produced by special skin cells and serves to protect the skin from the sun’s rays. White skin, which has many moles, is also extremely prone to developing skin cancer.
3. Prolonged skin exposure to x-rays (eg radiologists).
4. Skin contact with substances that can cause cancer (carcinogens), which include arsenic, tar, etc.
5. Smoking predisposes to skin cancer of the lower lip.
6. Age over 50 is a risk factor for skin cancer, but the disease also occurs at a young age.
7. Frequent use of the solarium significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
8. The presence of skin cancer in close relatives.
9. Decreased immunity after severe illness, and also as a result of taking certain drugs that suppress the immune system (corticosteroids, anticancer drugs).

Symptoms of skin melanoma

The first sign of melanoma is a change in shape, color, size or an unpleasant sensation at the site of an existing mole. Melanoma also occurs as a new nevus. Pay attention to all skin changes and track the following:

• Asymmetry . The mole does not have an axis of symmetry.
• Irregular borders . The edges are torn, jagged or blurred. The pigment may spread to surrounding areas of the skin.
• Uneven color . There are shades of black, brown. White, gray, red, pink, or blue areas are also visible.
• Diameter . The mole increases in size. Melanomas can be tiny, but most are larger than a pea (more than 6 mm).

• Modification of . The mole has changed a lot in the last few weeks or months.

Change in size: increase in mole two or more times in 6 months; color change: darkening (to black), lightening, the appearance of enlightenment in the center and simultaneous darkening at the edges, heterogeneous pigmentation; asymmetry of form; fuzzy borders: in this case, the pigment merges smoothly with the surrounding skin, so that the borders become blurry; pain; ulceration of a mole; hair loss, if any, on the mole.

In more serious cases, the surface of the mole itself changes. The skin on the surface may crack or appear scratched. Becomes stiff, may bleed. Sometimes melanoma causes itching and pain.

When to see a doctor

Melanoma (skin cancer)

If you scored 10 points in total, then you need to contact your local doctor to decide on further examination.

Signs of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma

Skin changes are the most common sign. They may be a formed growth, an ulcer that does not heal for a long time, or any changes in the structure of the old nevus – the appearance of the carcinoma may be different. As a rule, the tumor does not cause pain.

When to See a Doctor

Skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma)

If you scored 10 points in total, then you need to contact your local doctor to decide on further examination.

Prevention of skin cancer

Everyone who is at risk should take preventive measures seriously and, if possible, eliminate provoking factors.

Prevention of any disease is to reduce, as far as possible, the exposure to the factors that provoke it and to increase the number of factors that reduce the risk. The same goes for skin cancer prevention.
Since the main cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation, the main preventive measure is to limit exposure. Of course, it is impossible to completely protect yourself from sunlight, especially in the warm season, when you want to walk, sunbathe, swim. However, one should know the measure in everything, and sunbathing should be done without fanaticism. Doctors strongly recommend the use of sunscreen. It is customary for us to buy such creams for a trip to the sea, but this is wrong. Ideally, you should use sunscreen all year round. Of course, in the cold season we are talking only about face creams, because other parts of the body are covered with clothes. But in the summer you need to take care of lotions and creams that will protect all exposed skin. When choosing such a tool, you should carefully read the label. The SPF protection factor, or SPF in Russian, usually ranges from 15 to 50. For darker skin that is not prone to burns, you can take a lower protection factor, 15-25. For light, sensitive and baby skin, you need to take a product with a high STP factor. The label should also contain the inscription: UVA / UVB. This means that the product protects against alpha and beta rays. An important mark on such a tool is water resistance. It is important not only if you are going to swim. When you just walk around the city and sweat, the product is just as “washed off” from the skin. However, just because you bought a high protection waterproof product doesn’t mean you can apply it once and forget it all day long. Every 2-4 hours, depending on the protection factor, you need to apply the product again.
If possible, it is better to wear clothing that covers the body as much as possible from the sun’s rays. Of course, in the summer heat this is difficult, but try, for example, to wear light trousers instead of short shorts. Don’t forget the headwear. A wide-brimmed hat will protect not only the face, but also the ears and neck. Men can wear baseball caps with a visor. In recent years, special sun protection clothing has become more and more popular. It is made from fabrics treated with sunscreen.
Sunglasses are not only a tribute to fashion and style. Protecting your eyes and the skin around them from ultraviolet radiation is very important. Glasses should be not just stylish and fashionable, but really protect from the sun’s rays.
Avoid sun exposure during peak hours. This time is from 11 am to 4 pm. If you are near water or in nature, take care of the shade. An umbrella, a canopy, a tent are a must. Even if the weather is cloudy and the sun is not visible, you can still get burned, because clouds block only 30% of the ultraviolet. This suggests that sunscreen is essential even when the sun is hidden behind the clouds.
Intense tanning has been considered fashionable for many years in a row. Solariums are in demand all year round, many people, especially young girls, love to sunbathe until their skin turns dark. Not everyone understands that a solarium is harmful to the skin. One of the problems is premature aging, but even that is nothing compared to the risk of developing skin cancer, especially melanoma. American scientists have proposed to ban the solarium to young people under the age of 18.
Self-diagnosis and control over the condition of the skin is a prerequisite not only for people at risk, but for everyone in general. We all know

that you can take every precaution and still get sick. Therefore, periodically inspect open areas of the body – the neck, shoulders, arms, ears, head for the presence of any neoplasms on the skin, examine moles, if something is alarming, take the necessary tests. Skin cancer can be prevented if all the above measures are carried out systematically, persistently and persistently. Make sunscreen your constant companion, get your kids used to it, and give up tanning to a crisp – these are quite feasible and adequate conditions.

Self-exam skin

The following tips will help make self-examination faster and more convenient. The best time to visit is after taking a shower or bath. Use 2 mirrors: full-length and small, preferably with a long handle – their combination allows you to view all parts of the body. Also, to inspect the head, you will need a comb / comb or hair dryer (they can be used to expose the skin under the hairline). Inspection should be carried out in a well-lit room, you may also need a small flashlight.

Pay attention to:

• new moles (dissimilar),
• new red or dark growths slightly raised above the skin,
• changing the size, shape, color of a mole,
• wounds that do not heal.

Regular checkups are especially important for people with skin cancer risk factors.