The Importance of Regular Skin Exams

The Importance of Regular Skin Exams

When was the last time you visited one of our Honolulu, HI, dermatologists Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun or Dr. Sarah Grekin for a Skin_Cancerskin exam? If you’ve never had a skin exam it’s important that you do, especially if you find yourself spending a lot of time outdoors in the warm Hawaiian sun. While applying sunscreen each and every day will certainly go a long way to protecting you from skin cancer, getting an annual skin exam should also be part of your preventive skin care regimen.

 

Why Regular Skin Exams are Important

A simple skin exam may be all that’s needed to detect skin cancer. That’s why it’s important to see your Honolulu, HI, skin doctor once a year for a simple skin exam.

 

Other Ways to Protect Against Skin Cancer

Along with turning to your dermatologist once a year for this preventive checkup you should also be performing your own self-exams to look for warning signs of skin cancer. Here are some warning signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for,

  • Unusual skin growths, moles or sores that don’t heal
  • Spots that itch, scab or bleed
  • Moles that are multiple colors
  • Moles that are asymmetrical or have jagged, poorly defined borders

Not sure how to do a skin self-exam? Follow these helpful tips from the American Cancer Society. Those at a higher risk for skin cancer, as well as those who have a weakened immune system, should perform regular skin exams.

Along with skin self-exams, you should always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply a generous amount to your face and body, and remember to reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or exercising.

Don’t wait until skin problems surface to see your dermatologist. Call Dawson Dermatology in Honolulu, HI, to schedule your full body skin examination today and protect against skin cancer.

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