DERMATOLOGY’S main focus is to protect your skin and to keep you healthy and safe. The best thing you can do for your skin is to use sunscreen on a regular basis, especially here in the Sunshine State. When it comes to sunscreen, make sure to choose one that protects from both UVA and UVB rays — it will be labeled as broad- or full-spectrum coverage — and one that offers an SPF of at least 30. Apply it every two hours, before and after swimming, sweating or toweling off.
Preventing skin cancer is an important matter. There will be more than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer this year alone, and 73,000 cases of melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. Early detection of the three main types of skin cancer is key. The first is basal cell carcinoma, which can be disfiguring if not removed. The next most common is squamous cell carcinoma. Lastly, there is malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, as it can spread to other parts of the body. Every 57 minutes, a person dies from malignant melanoma. All three are caused by UV radiation.
Another choice that is good for your skin is having a dermatologist look at any moles, blemishes, or lesions that seem suspicious. Many people wonder when they should have a spot on their skin looked at. At the most basic, any skin growth that changes, bleeds or does not heal should be evaluated by a dermatologist. An easy to remember method is to use the ABCDEs. Check out any skin issue that is Asymmetrical, has Border Irregularities, has Color Changes, has a Diameter larger than 6 millimeters, or is Evolving.
Contact Central Florida Dermatology for a consultation. We also offer skin treatments like Botox and others, facial peels, spider veins and more.
This column is sponsored by Central Florida Dermatology.
CREDIT
column by CHERYL CAMPBELL
BIO: Cheryl Campbell, DCNP, ARNP-C, MSN, is a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner. As a lifelong resident of Polk County, she has degrees from PSC and a Master’s in Nursing from USF. She has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, the last seven as a DCNP with Central Florida Dermatology.