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The ABCDEs of Melanoma
May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Share these tips from the American Academy of Dermatology on limiting sun exposure and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
by Staff
May 6, 2019
2 min to read
Beauty professionals have a unique opportunity to view their clients’ skin and nails up-close and note changes that may be early signs of skin cancer. You also have your client’s ear when it comes to health and beauty advice — and the number-one tip for maintaining young-looking skin and reducing the risk of skin cancer is to avoid the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.
Share these tips from the American Academy of Dermatology on limiting sun exposure.
Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
Wear protective clothing, such as a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible.
Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. (Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.)
Apply enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin; most adults need about one ounce — or enough to fill a shot glass — to fully cover their body. And don’t forget to apply to the tops of the feet, neck, and ears.
Use sunscreen whenever you are going to be outside, even on cloudy days.
When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Use extra caution near water, snow and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from tanning beds can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging.
Perform regular skin self-exams to detect skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable, and see a dermatologist if you notice new or suspicious spots on your skin, or anything changing, itching, or bleeding.
Urge clients to consult a dermatologist immediately if you notice any moles or pigmented spots that exhibit these signs:
A = Asymmetry. One half is unlike the other half.
B = Border. An irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border.
C = Color. Color is varied from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown, or black, or is sometimes white, red, or blue.
D = Diameter. Melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, but they can be smaller.
E = Evolving. A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.
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