Now that summer is almost here, you will want to keep an eye on your skin and be sure to limit your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Unfortunately, most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays which can come from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. This means covering up your arms and legs when possible or wearing a wide-brimmed hat to provide shade. You can also try to be in the shade (think trees) whenever possible, and wear SPF sunscreen up to 50 when you are outdoors.
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of the skin cells and melanoma is one kind of cancer that can be cured when detected early on. If it is allowed to spread unchecked to other areas of the body it can be fatal. That is why checking your body routinely for abnormal growths like moles can make all the difference. Our Dermatology Center team follows the ABCDEs of melanoma:
Asymmetry – This is when half of the mole looks different from the other half.
Border – When the mole has an undefined or irregularly defined border around it.
Color: When the mole has more than one color, so for example, containing shades of tan, brown or black, or colors including white, red or blue in one mole.
Diameter: If the mole is larger than a pencil eraser.
Evolving: The mole isn’t consistent and is changing its shape, size or color.
These are all indications that you should get a suspicious mole checked. Our experienced dermatologists, Dr. Kraig K. Jenson, Byron Edwards or Dr. Devin Burr can treat your melanoma in Orem, Utah. They can check, diagnose and then remove the cancerous growth via surgical removal called Mohs surgery so the area is cancer-free. Be sure to watch your skin for changes that might indicate cancerous growth. If you have any questions about your skin, please don’t hesitate to give our Dermatology Center a call at 801-224-5200 to learn more or to schedule a visit. Your skin deserves quality care!
