How to Prevent Skin Cancer

Your dermatologists in Bethlehem, PA, can diagnose and treat skin cancer

It’s great to spend time out in the sun, but you need to protect your skin. The truth is, skin cancer can be disfiguring and deadly. Fortunately, you can do a lot to prevent skin cancer, and your dermatologist can help.

Drs. Joseph Zaladonis Jr., Mary Hutchins, and Veronica Rutt at Zaladonis Dermatology Associates in Bethlehem, PA, provide comprehensive skin care options, including diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.

The most important step you can take to prevent skin cancer is to apply sunscreen, even if you are only outside for a few minutes. Your sunscreen should have at least an SPF of 15. You should increase the SPF to at least 30 if you are going to spend a lot of time outside.

These are a few additional tips to keep in mind to prevent skin cancer:

  • Avoid tanning booths
  • Try not to spend a long time in direct sun
  • Try to stay out of the sun from 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV rays are the most damaging
  • Wear hats, sunglasses, and clothing to block the sun

Doing a self-check of your skin regularly is another great way to prevent skin cancer. You should look for:

  • Moles that are 6 millimeters in diameter or larger
  • Moles that are asymmetrical with ragged borders
  • Moles that have recurred after previous removal
  • Moles that have changed in shape, size, or color
  • Moles that itch or bleed
  • Scaly, irritated patches of skin

Regular visits to your dermatologist are important too, especially if you are fair-skinned, or have a previous history or family history of skin cancer. Your dermatologist can check your moles and do a biopsy if necessary, to determine if there are any abnormal, precancerous, or cancerous skin cells.

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable of all cancers, so don't forget your sunscreen. To learn more about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer, call Drs. Joseph Zaladonis Jr., Mary Hutchins, and Veronica Rutt at Zaladonis Dermatology Associates in Bethlehem, PA. You can reach them in the office by calling (610) 868-3150, so call now!

Our Location

Hours of Operation

Zaladonis Dermatology Associates

Monday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-2:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed