The skin is one of the essential organs of the body. However, it’s also the most exposed. That’s why it’s vulnerable to various environmental stresses, including UV radiation, pollution, and other toxins. This leads to all sorts of diseases, one of them being skin cancer.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells. There are several types of skin cancer, each with its symptoms and treatment options. The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which usually appears as a small, pearl-like bump on the skin. If left untreated, it can grow and eventually damage nearby tissue.

The second most common type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which typically appears as a scaly patch on the skin.

The third and most serious type of skin cancer is melanoma. Melanoma usually starts as a mole or dark spot on the skin. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

Skin cancer is a severe disease and one of the most preventable. You can take a few simple steps to protect yourself and your family from skin cancer.

Ensure Your Home is Safe From The Sun

One of the growing reasons people get skin cancer is their exposure to the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. And that damage can accumulate over time and lead to skin cancer.

You can protect yourself and your family by ensuring your home is safe from the sun. This means keeping the blinds closed during the day, especially in rooms where you spend a lot of time, like the living room or bedroom. You should also wear sunscreen when you’re outside and avoid being in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

Additionally, if your family loves spending time in the backyard, ensure that you have something to cover yourself from the sun. A covered patio with a polycarbonate roof can ensure that you get enough light without exposing your skin to the sun. You can purchase polycarbonate materials on the internet from websites like polylite.com.ph. These websites are the best way to peruse the right polycarbonate for your covered patio or any other structure in your home.

Wear Protective Clothing

Another way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays is to wear protective clothing. This includes long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses. In addition, whenever possible, try to wear light-colored clothing, as dark colors absorb more heat.

You should also avoid wearing clothes made from synthetic materials, like polyester. These materials can increase your skin’s exposure to UV rays. Instead, opt for natural fabrics like cotton. Additionally, there are some clothes with unique UV-protective properties. These include UPF clothing and sun-protection swimwear.

If you can’t find any protective clothing, try to stay in the shade as much as possible. This will help reduce your exposure to UV rays. If there’s no shade available, apply sunscreen with a high SPF rating. You should also reapply sunscreen every two hours, even if you’re not sweating or swimming.

Check Your Skin Regularly

It’s essential to check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer. This means looking for any changes in the size, shape, or color of moles or other spots on your skin. You should also look for any new growths or changes in the texture of your skin.

If you notice anything unusual, make an appointment with a dermatologist immediately. They can determine if it’s cancerous and provide treatment options.

Use Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a plant used for centuries to treat various skin conditions. It’s also been shown to be effective in treating skin cancer.

Aloe vera contains aloin, which has been shown to kill cancer cells. Additionally, aloe vera can help to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.

You can apply aloe vera to your skin cancer by breaking off a piece of the plant and rubbing it on the affected area. You can also purchase aloe vera gel at most health food stores.

Avoid Tanning Beds

Tanning beds emit UV rays that can damage your skin and lead to skin cancer. If you want to avoid the sun’s harmful rays, there are plenty of other options for getting a tan, like self-tanning products or spray tans. These options will give you the same look without the risk.

Following these simple tips can protect yourself and your family from skin cancer. Remember, skin cancer is a severe disease but also preventable, so make sure to take the necessary steps to ensure your family’s safety.