MAY: SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Here at Florida Dermatology + Plastic Surgery we take May very seriously as it’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month and our main focus in Dermatology is skin health and skin cancer prevention.

This month we are ecstatic to announce our newest addition to our team: Beth Perry, PA-C. With Beth joining our team, now we are able to offer full-time Monday to Friday availability for skin cancer screening needs. Beth has extensive training in skin cancer, complexion, lasers, and surgical dermatology.

During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, our skin cancer experts Adrienne, Beth, Dr. Saluja & Dr. Novo are sharing important tips and recommendations. Our main goal this month is to raise awareness of the dangers of unprotected exposure, and encouraging sun-safe habits.

UV exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Not only will sun protection prevent wrinkles, age spots and other signs of aging, it will also help reduce your risk of skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S. We recommend and encourage all our patients to practice safe sun every time they are outdoors. Most cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, are attributable to UV exposure. We recommend to use sun protection any time you are outdoors, not just at the beach or pool. This includes seeking shade, wearing UV protective clothing, and using sunscreen to protect your skin and reduce your risk of skin cancer—no matter the activity!

Apply sunscreen SPF 30 or greater to all skin that clothing won’t cover, at least 15 minutes prior to exposure. In addition, since no sunscreen can block all of the sun’s harmful UV rays, seek shade and wear protective clothing, including a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

No matter the SPF, sunscreen will wear off over time. Always reapply your sunscreen every two hours and immediately after swimming and sweating. Even water-resistant sunscreen needs to be reapplied after you get wet.

The best sunscreens are mineral based sunscreens. Look for ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Here are specific tips from each of our providers:

* Adrienne Vargas, PA-C proposes to “get your skin checked and don’t wear makeup to your skin check appointment. Most skin cancer can be cured when diagnosed early. Also, follow your wound care instructions and include a scar cream, such as Silagen, to achieve best cosmetic outcome after surgery.”

* Beth Perry, PA-C wants to remind all to “stay in the shade or wear sun protective clothing like Solumbra or Coolibar, especially between 10 am and 4 pm. Also, when self checking for suspicious spots don’t forget to check your scalp, behind your ears, your neck, and your feet.”

* Dr. Saluja, our amazing Dermatologist recommends to all her patients that “skin care such as Isdin Eryfotona Actinica sunscreen, Obagi Vitamin C, and Tretinoin enhance your skin’s health.” She also would like every patient to be aware that “melanoma (and other skin cancer) are not always brown- they can be pink! Look for any pink areas not healing within 4 weeks.”

* Dr. Novo, our double board certified Plastic Surgery, reminds us to “not rely on SPF hidden in makeup, it’s not strong enough! Use an SPF 30 or greater, apply 15 min to clean skin prior to going outside. Always try to use hats or large sunglasses when outside to help protect your delicate face, ears and eyes!”

Hope you appreciate and learn a few important tips that you can apply to your daily skincare habits!