Melanoma: Sun protection and early detection

Educate on healthy habits to protect our skin and reduce the risk of melanoma or skin cancer. Melanoma prevention begins with knowing the risks and pays attention to injury or skin changes result we suspect. Primary prevention to prevent the occurrence of the disease and secondary prevention to anticipate the diagnosis.

Skin cancer can be seen, and can be cured, rising nearly one hundred percent odds of cure if detected early. A type of cancer found that our skin has memory. In fact, doctors insist on protecting the skin especially of the children, as the sunburn or burns, as we get older, may increase the risks of developing melanoma.

Prevention in which for more than a decade (since 1999) Euromelanoma project impacts, with the participation of more than thirty countries and aims to promote healthy habits for the care of our skin, especially during the summer months, increased exposure time. These specialists care include avoidance of risk as sunbathing; use bulbs for artificial tanning (tanning booths), sports or outdoor activities. In the case of laser hair removal or waxing, but has not found a link with skin cancer, it is recommended to cover the moon to use and avoid being irradiated by the laser with intense pulsed light.

Among the risk groups, children and adolescents, aged 65 years and those with skin phototype I and II. Also included in this group who presented more than 50 spots on the skin (nevus or atypical nevus) and those who have a family history of skin tumor.

In any moles or skin patch that we find suspicious should consult a dermatologist, especially if the stain has irregular edges, is asymmetrical, has various shades and increases in size. Also watch the spots if they bite, bleed or bother.

Protection of medium and long term

Taking care of our skin should pursue both short and long term. Thus, and as recommended experts, short-term skin care through avoid solar exposures without protection, identify risk factors and warning signs and use of adequate sunscreens (especially in more than 20 solar sun protection creams).

Our skin, the largest organ of our body, is especially vulnerable during the early years. In fact, it is recommended to reduce exposure as much as possible to 20 years, in order to avoid sunburn especially in childhood and adolescence. As important as applying a protective cream is to use a hat, sunglasses, umbrella and appropriate clothing. Allow to reduce data of melanoma prevalence. Recommendations which should have an impact in the warmer months, but do not forget that our skin protection does not depend on seasons.