SUN/SKIN SAFETY TIPS
SHADE Yes…especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
SUNBURN No. Just don’t.
TANNING Avoid it…and never use UV tanning beds.
CLOTHING Cover up; wear a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
SUNSCREEN Broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity:
water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF of 30 or higher. Apply 2 tablespoons
of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every
2 hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. Keep newborns out of the sun.
Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
SELF-EXAM Check your skin head-to-toe every month.
PRO EXAM See a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.
THE ABCDEs of MELANOMA
Moles and other spots and growths on the skin are often harmless, but it’s
recommended that everyone check their skin every month and take note of any
changes. Regularly scheduled professional skin exams are also recommended,
but if you spot anything unusual in between exams, get in touch with your
dermatologist immediately. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when
checking for signs of melanoma.
• A is for ASYMMETRY. Normal moles have a symmetrical or balanced
shape. Draw an imaginary line down the middle and the two sides
will match, like a mirror reflection. An unbalanced, or asymmetrical,
shape is a warning sign and should be checked.
• B is for BORDER. Benign moles have smoothly curving borders.
Borders of an early melanoma are uneven. The edges may be
scalloped or notched.
• C is for COLOR. Most benign moles are one uniform color, often
brown. Watch out for spots made up of different colors such as a
mixture of brown, black, tan, even red, white or blue.
• D is for DIAMETER. Normal moles are usually smaller in diameter than
malignant ones. Melanomas are usually (though not always) larger in
diameter than the eraser on a pencil (¼ inch).
• E is for EVOLVING. Normal benign moles will not change. If you have a
mole that changes in any way—size, color, shape, etc.—get it checked.
REMEMBER: Early detection is the best way to prevent or beat melanoma. If in
doubt, get it checked out!
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