Most cases are classified as carcinoma, which is a less aggressive tumor. However, there is also melanoma, which is a more serious and dangerous tumor.
Regardless of the type, it’s essential to know how to take care of yourself – both to reduce the risks of the disease and to seek help right away in your first symptoms. Thus, you can stay healthy and have quality of life.
For you to understand how to take care of yourself in the best way, we will show you information about skin cancer and how to prevent it. Read on!
Contents
What are the causes of skin cancer?
The first point you should know is what causes skin cancer to happen. This disease usually arises from exposure to ultraviolet (called UV) radiation. These rays reach the cells and can cause their destruction, increasing the chances of abnormal cell development (which is the tumor).
Still, there are other risk factors, such as very fair skin. The pigment works as a “shield”. Therefore, a light skin tone tends to increase the risk of the disease.
Sensitive skin and skin with existing lesions are also more predisposed. In addition, age above 40 years and cases of skin cancer in the family are other factors that increase the risk.
What are the symptoms of skin cancer?
To take care of yourself regarding this condition, you also need to know the symptoms to treat them as soon as possible. Therefore, it is essential to know what the main symptoms are.
At first, not every stain or mole on the skin is a sign of cancer. However, if a skin tag starts to grow over time, for example, it’s a warning sign. Also, spots that bleed, itch, and peel are unnatural and may be signs of skin cancer.
In some cases, the appearance of lumps under the skin can mark the onset of the disease. They are nodules that usually grow and can cause discomfort, such as pain when touched.
You should also observe aspects such as the colors and shapes of spots and moles. Stains with multiple colors — such as pink, red, purple, brown, and black — and with asymmetrical edges require medical attention, agreed?
How does the treatment of this disease work?
After identifying the first symptoms, you should look for a dermatologist. This is the professional who specializes in skin issues and who can diagnose the reason for spots, moles, and nodules.
To diagnose skin cancer, it is common to perform a biopsy. It consists of a scraping of cells from the region of attention, with sending them for laboratory analysis.
If the report indicates the disease, there are several ways to carry out the treatment. The most common is through surgery, which seeks to remove the area affected by the tumor. Depending on the situation, a plastic surgeon can act to ensure a harmonic result.
Depending on the type of skin cancer, you may need chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In addition, there are innovative treatments, such as those that use cauterization, and freezing (cryotherapy), among other options, which only a professional can indicate.
How to prevent skin cancer?
Taking care of your health and protecting yourself from illness is always more effective than carrying out treatment, do you agree? Therefore, knowing how to prevent skin cancer is the best way to deal with this situation. Below, we separate tips that you can put into practice to take care of yourself completely. Look!
Use sunscreen every day
Since UV radiation is among the main causes of this condition, blocking the impact of these rays on your skin is essential, right? The most efficient way to do this is to use sunscreen every day — even in winter or on cloudy days.
Apply the product to areas that are exposed, such as the face, shoulders, chest, arms, hands, legs, and feet, for example. It’s also important to let the skin absorb it completely and wait a few minutes before exposing yourself to the sun.
Reapplication is necessary if you get wet, such as from sweating on hot days. Thus, it is possible to protect yourself completely.
Protect yourself from the sun
In addition to the sunscreen itself, it is interesting to use accessories that help with this task. Count on sunglasses with quality lenses, for example. Thus, you protect the eye region.
It is also worth wearing hats, caps, or caps to avoid direct exposure to the scalp. The more protection, the better.
Consider wearing clothes with UV protection
Another tip to consider is the use of special clothing with UV protection. They are especially useful when you need to be exposed to the sun a lot, as they serve as a barrier to radiation, which does not come into contact with the skin.
You can use the clothes both in everyday life and in a moment of exercising outdoors, for example. There is already sportswear with these qualities, which allow you to protect yourself while moving your body.
Avoid sun exposure at peak times
Speaking of practicing outdoor physical activities, you need to be careful with their schedule – even considering other precautions. This happens because, on the one hand, it is important to sunbathe to favor the synthesis of vitamin D. However, the ideal is to avoid times with more emission of UV radiation.
Therefore, it is recommended to expose yourself up to 10 am and from 4 pm. This is a safe time to practice outdoor activities such as running, walking, or biking. In the intermediate period, always prefer the shade.
Visit a specialist regularly
With all these precautions, you greatly reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, there are factors beyond our control, and the sooner the diagnosis occurs, the more effective the treatment.
Therefore, an essential tip is to visit a specialist regularly. The dermatologist can indicate specific skin care, such as sports sunscreen, for example.
In addition, he will be able to assess any appearance or development of stains. That way, you keep protection at high levels and pay more attention to your health.
As we have shown, skin cancer is quite common, but it can be avoided with essential care. By putting our tips into practice, you will be able to enjoy the outdoors more safely.
