Skin cancer can sneak up on you because all those years of spending time out in the sun when you were younger can accumulate. Skin cancer can develop for years, with little to no signs or symptoms. That’s where your dermatologist comes in.

Dr. Patricia McCormack at Dermatology and Laser Center is a dermatologist who provides comprehensive medical and cosmetic dermatology services, including diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. She has three convenient office locations in Staten Island, NY, Linden, NJ, and Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, to help you protect yourself from skin cancer.

What You Need to Know about Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is caused by excessive ultraviolet light exposure, typically from the sun. That means everyone who spends time out in the sun is at risk. There are other factors that can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, including if you have:

• Light skin and freckles
• A tendency to sunburn easily
• A past history of skin cancer
• A family history of skin cancer

So, how do you prevent skin cancer and protect yourself? One of the easiest, most effective steps you can take is to apply sunscreen whenever you go outside.

Remember to:

• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 if you are outside for long periods
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 if you have fair skin, freckles, or sunburn easily

You should also:

• Avoid using tanning booths
• Stay out of direct sunlight between 10 AM to 4 PM, when UV rays are most harmful
• Wear clothing that protects your skin, and a hat and sunglasses.

Regular self-checks of your skin are also an excellent idea. You need to look for:

• Large moles, with diameters of 6 millimeters or greater
• Irregular moles, with uneven, ragged borders
• Recurring moles that have grown back after the previous removal
• Itchy, burning, or bleeding moles
• Scaly patches of red, irritated skin that don’t go away

Remember to see our dermatologist at least once each year, and more often if you are at higher risk of skin cancer. Our dermatologist can diagnose and treat skin cancer using Mohs micrographic surgery and other methods to eliminate cancerous tissue while still providing an optimal aesthetic result.

Want to Know More?

To learn more about who is at risk for skin cancer and how you can protect yourself from damaging your skin, call dermatologist, Dr. Patricia McCormack at Dermatology and Laser Center. You can reach her in Staten Island, NY, by calling (718) 698-1616, or in Linden, NJ, at (908) 925-8877, or in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, by calling (732) 295-1331, so call today.