Are you concerned about your skin cancer risk?
Whether you’ve had just one bad sunburn in your lifetime or you have very fair skin, there are many factors that can greatly increase your chances for developing skin cancer over a lifetime. Our Boynton Beach, dermatopathologist Dr. Timothy Nielsen can provide preventive and diagnostic care, as well as treat certain forms of skin cancer.
How do I protect against skin cancer?
You can greatly reduce your risk for developing both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer by following these simple but effective rules everyday:
- Apply about two tablespoons of sunscreen to your entire body and face about 30 minutes before going outside. This rule applies every day, no matter if it’s cloudy, rainy or snowing out. The sun’s rays can always damage skin no matter what time of year it is.
- Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreen should also be water-resistant and have an SPF of no less than 15.
- Reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating, or every two hours.
- Check your skin thoroughly and perform skin self-exams to look for suspicious growth and moles every month. Here are some rules on what to look out for and when to see your dermatologist for a more in-depth evaluation.
- Stay in the shade between the hours of 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
- Wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and clothing with tightly woven fabrics to provide further protection for your skin.
- Avoid tanning beds.
Why seeing a dermatopathologist may be the best option
If you notice a suspicious mole or growth, you want a doctor in Boynton Beach, FL, who not only can provide a quick diagnosis, but also treat the problem. Thanks to being both a dermatopathologist and a dermatologist, Dr. Nielsen is perfect for the job. After all, having these two board certifications means that Dr. Nielsen is able to see patients, perform biopsies in-clinic, and read the biopsy slides to diagnose skin cancer, all within a very quick turnaround time of 1-2 days (some commercial labs can take 1-2 weeks to complete the same task). From there, we can provide a treatment plan based on the type and severity of your skin cancer. As you can see, having a dual dermatopathologist/dermatologist can be a lifesaver.
Not happy with the treatment plan or results you received from another dermatologist? No problem. Second opinions can provide you with the peace of mind you need to ensure that you are doing the very best you can for your health. We would be happy to sit down with you and discuss the best ways to treat your skin cancer.
Whether you need to schedule an annual skin cancer screening or you are noticing changes in your skin don’t hesitate to call Nielsen Dermatology in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton, FL to schedule an appointment. Having a dermatopathologist that you turn to regularly could just save your life!