Key Things Your Dermatologist Wishes You Knew About Melanoma
If you are like most people, you're probably familiar with melanoma, but you've dismissed it as something that only happens to older people and happens so rarely that you don't need to worry about it. Unfortunately, that isn't the case. There is so much misinformation out there about melanoma that your dermatologist wants you to know the truth. Here are some of the things that you need to understand when it comes to melanoma.
It Doesn't Discriminate Based On Age
While many melanoma cases diagnosed each year are in older adults, that isn't exclusive by any means. In fact, you can be diagnosed with melanoma at any age, so it is important that you don't dismiss it. No matter what age group you're in, it's in your best interest to see a dermatologist if there are any irregularities on your skin.
Base Tans Don't Reduce Your Risk
There's a misconception out there that getting a base tan early in the summer, or from a tanning bed, will prevent sun damage and the risk of melanoma. The truth is that any time your skin's color is affected by the sun, including with a "base tan," you're doing damage that can put you at risk of melanoma. It's best to avoid tanning in any form other than spray-on or bronzer lotion if you want to reduce your melanoma risk.
You Don't Need To Put Your Skin At Risk For Vitamin D
Some people argue that they need vitamin D, so they don't want to wear sunscreen or limit their time in the sun. The truth is that you're better off getting your vitamin D from supplements and dietary choices than from the sun because of your increased risk of melanoma from sun exposure.
Sunscreen Isn't An All-Encompassing Solution
Wearing sunscreen is important for blocking harmful UV rays, but it's not the only solution. Sunscreen alone won't prevent you from developing melanoma. It's best to combine the use of sunscreen with other mitigation measures, including avoiding direct sunlight during the midday hours, wearing a shawl or cover and a wide-brimmed hat, and investing in sunglasses that block UV rays. That way, you can reduce the risk of sun exposure and help prevent melanoma.
These are some of the things that your dermatologist hopes you understand about melanoma and the risk it poses to you. Consider these tips and talk with a dermatologist near you today for more help.