One of the most severe types of skin cancer which has been ever known is Melanoma.
You do understand all about melanoma, don’t you? There may be some general medical knowledge that, either little or much, help you have an overview on this disease.
Apply sunscreening frequently to keep yourself from risk of melanoma
What is melanoma?
Melanoma begins in skin cells called melanocytes which is known with the responsibility for making melanin. Melanin is an element to create our skin color as well as to protect the deeper layers of the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. In case of the melanocytes may begin to grow abnormally and become cancerous due to the over UV rays from direct sunlight contact, the skin becomes to tan which gradually change in the size, shape, or color.This condition is called melanoma.
How does melanoma show up?
General speaking, in men, mole often exists on the upper body, between the shoulders and hip or on the head and neck. In women, melanoma often develops on the lower legs.
You are likely at risk of melanoma, if you:
- Have a family history of melanoma
- Have one or more severe, blistering sunburns as a child or teenager
- Have a fair skin or light eyes
- Frequently spend your time in the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM without any sun-screening.
- Have freckles
Beside the family history or genes sources, the main cause of melanoma is too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Therefore, this is time to discuss about how to keep yourself from risk of melanoma. The protection is recommended to start right from childhood time.
That means you should:
Limit the amount of time you spend in the sun between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM
Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, for the best, choose tightly woven, dark-colored fabrics, when you have to be in the sun.
Protect yourself not only during any outdoor activity but also every day with a sunscreen. At the same time, carefully select the right sunscreen products to apply if your skin is a bit sensitive.
Not forget your lips, protect your lips with a lip balm that has an SPF of 15 or higher.
Reapply sunscreen (even waterproof sunscreen) every 2 hours when you have to go outside or when swimming or sweating.
You can also do a skin self-exam every 6 to 8 weeks. This helps ensure that you find suspicious moles early and have them checked promptly by your doctor.