Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Pediatric Melanoma

As September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month,  I thought I'd share a little information on pediatric melanoma.  Although melanoma in children is relatively rare, it is found in approximately 300 children in the US every year.  And while melanoma is the least diagnosed cancer in adults, in children, skin cancer is almost always melanoma.  

Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer found in adolescents age 15 to 19; making up 7% of the cancers found in this age range.  

Unfortunately, pediatric melanoma has proven very difficult for dermatologists to diagnose as the signs and symptoms can be very different than those of adult melanoma.  In fact, a 2011 study showed that of children age 0-10 years old with melanoma, over 60% did not present with the "normal" melanoma-diagnosis criteria. This criteria is identified by the "ABCDE warning signs" or symmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation and Diameter over six millimeters, and Evolution of the lesion.  Additionally, approximately 40% of children with melanoma age 10-20, also did not meet this criteria.  

This large discrepancy in criteria has led many dermatologist to create a new set of criteria specific to pediatric melanomas. The new criteria is identified by the "ABCD warning signs"; where A is for "amelanosis" meaning pigment lacking, B for bumps or bleeding, C for uniform Color, and D for various Diameters or new Development of lesions or moles. 

Although the chances of your child having melanoma are rare, you should be informed, keep an eye on your child's skin, and take steps in preventing skin cancers in your children.  Also, remember that melanoma can occur in areas not exposed to the sun; so be sure to check your child's scalp, feet, hands and buttocks for any unusual lesions or moles.  Have any suspicious moles, warts or lesions checked by your dermatologist.

If you, or your dermatologist suspect that your child may have melanoma, make sure to request that your child is seen by a pediatric dermatology team, as many dermatologists and pathologists are accustomed to seeing adult skin cancers and may not notice the alternative signs of melanoma in children. Also, never hesitate to seek a biopsy of a suspicious mole or lesion. Early detection is key in the treatment of all skin cancers in children and adults alike. 

For a refresher on how to protect your children from sun damage at any age, check out my post "Preventing Skin Cancer in Children". 

As always, protect and Love the Skin You're In. 

Preventing Skin Cancer in Children

I spend a lot of my time educating my friends and family members on the best ways to protect their skin from the harsh rays of the sun.  However, some of our precious family members cannot protect themselves from sun exposure on their own.  I’m talking (of course) about children.

Although skin cancers,especially Melanoma, are often rare in children they account for about 3 percent of childhood cancers in the US (ages newborn to 19).  Also, a recent study showed that the rate of Melanoma in children has increased by about 2 percent per year from 1973 to 2009 among U.S children. 

The first way you can help prevent skin cancers in your children is by regularly checking their skin and paying attention to the size, shape and colors of their existing moles and lesions. 

 Here’s what to look for:

• A mole that changes color, shape, or grows
• A mole that is large (larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser) or oddly shaped and asymmetrical
• A lesion or bump that is pale-colored or red
• A mole or lesion that itches or bleed

Children’s skin is more sensitive to the sun and it’s UV rays so it is especially important that we, as adults, are vigilant about providing sun protection for them, and teaching kids to adopt a sun-safe lifestyle while they are young. 

   

Keep your young children sun safe with these practices for infants to preschool aged children:

Infants: 0-6 months old

• Infants under 6 months of age should be kept out of the sun as much as possible, as their skin is too sensitive for sunscreen use. An infant's skin possesses little melanin, the pigment that gives color to skin, hair and eyes and provides some sun protection. Therefore, babies are especially susceptible to the sun's damaging effects.
  
  • Use removable mesh window shields to keep direct sunlight from coming in through the windows of your car or invest in UV tinting window film, which can filter out almost 100% of ultraviolet radiation 
  • Take walks early in the morning (before 10 AM) or in the evening (after 4 PM) and be sure to use a stroller with a sun-protective cover.
  • Dress your baby in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs.
  • Choose a wide-brimmed hat or bonnet that protects your baby's face, neck, and ears. A baby who wears a hat during the first few months will get used to having it on.

Babies: 6-12 months old

• It's now safe to use sunscreen on babies.
  
  • Apply broad-spectrum, SPF 15+ sunscreen to areas left uncovered such as a baby's hands. (Many companies sell "tear-free" formulas that won't sting baby's eyes)
  • If you are using a spray sunscreen, it should NOT be applied directly to the baby's face. You should spray your hands with the sunscreen and then use hands to apply on your baby’s face
  • Most importantly, sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before taking your baby outside and reapplied every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.

Toddlers/Pre-School Age: 1-5 years old

• Protecting toddlers from the sun requires a little more thought and effort. It is important to educate your child and child caregivers.
  
• Use a broad spectrum  sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher. Water-resistant, spray-on sunscreens are a good choice for toddlers who won't sit still. Again, spray sunscreens should not be applied directly to the face.
• Make sure your child seeks shade between 10 AM and 4 PM.  Be sure the outdoor area where your child plays has adequate shade.
• Ensure that toddlers are wearing sun-protective clothing. Long-sleeved, unbleached cotton clothing is cool and comfortable, while also highly protective. Clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) listing on the label offers extra security. 
• Don't forget hats and sunglasses. Choose a wide-brimmed hat that protects face, neck, and ears.

As we are in the middle of summer, children are spending more time outdoors.  Help your children enjoy outdoor activities safely this summer with these tips:

At Summer Camp:

• Remind kids to seek shade: Encourage kids to play in shaded areas during peak UV strength, in order to limit UV exposure. Check with counselors to see if there are adequate places for campers to seek shade during outdoor activities taking place between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Dress kids in sun-protective clothing. For optimal protection from the sun, send kids to camp in tightly woven or knit, dark- or bright- colored fabrics. Don’t forget wide-brimmed hats (though a baseball cap is better than nothing) and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Practice sunscreen application beforehand. Teach children to apply 1 ounce of sunscreen to all exposed skin, 30 minutes before outdoor activities. Remind them to cover easily missed areas such as the back of ears and neck, and the tops of feet and hands. If camp rules allow, ask counselors to help children reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or excessive sweating. For extended outdoor activities, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is best.

At the Beach:

• Dress kids in sun-safe swimwear. Look for high-UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) swim shirts or rash guards, and choose bathing suits that cover more skin, like one-piece suits and long trunks.
• Take extra precautions. Remember that water and sand reflect the sun's rays. Help children reapply sunscreen frequently, cover them up with clothing, and bring a beach umbrella for kids to play under. The most effective beach umbrellas provide a minimum UPF of 30.
• Talk to your teens about tanning. Teenagers may be tempted to “lay out” or visit tanning salons. But there is no such thing as a safe tan, because tanning itself is caused by DNA damage to the skin. Remind teens that tanning increases skin cancer risk, and leads to wrinkles, blemishes and age spots later in life.

Most importantly, practice what you preach! If you practice sun-safe habits in your life, you will not only reduce your own risk for skin cancers (not to mention wrinkles and age spots!), but you will encourage your children to do the same.  

And remember, putting sunscreen on kids can be a lot like wrestling a crocodile.  But don't give up! 

As always, protect and Love the Skin You’re In! 

Tanning and the Sun: Myths vs Truth

Especially this time of year, I hear some common myths floating around about the sun, it's UV rays, and tanning (both indoor and outdoor). 

Below I have listed a few of these myths with the facts.  

Please be Sun Smart this summer. 

Be informed, wear sunscreen, and protect your skin!! 

Myth: Tanning in a tanning bed is safer than tanning in the sun.

FACT: When compared to people who have never used tanning beds, indoor tanners have a higher risk of skin cancer.  Frequent indoor tanners may soak up as much as 12 times the annual ultraviolet A (UVA) dose they receive from outdoor sun exposure. In fact, when using tanning beds before the age of 35, you increase your chance of Melanoma by up to 75%. 

Myth: The Sun is the best way to get Vitamin D.

FACT: Our bodies produce some vitamin D following exposure to the Sun’s UVB radiation. However, an average caucasian person in mid-day sun, will have reached their maximum Vitamin D production after about 5 minutes of sun exposure.  Any additional UV exposure actually breaks down vitamin D to inactive compounds, thus nullifying any benefit.  

Myth: Getting a “base tan” will protect you from getting sunburned.

FACT: There is no such thing as a “healthy tan”.  I repeat… there is NO SUCH THING as a “healthy tan”.  Any tan is a sign of skin damage. Your skin tans in response to UV damage to your skin’s DNA; a tan is the skin’s attempt to repair sun damage and prevent further injury. It is these imperfect “repairs” that can cause gene defects, which can lead to skin cancer.

Myth: Only caucasian or pale ppl get skin cancer, not people of color.

FACT: While it is true that people of color are less likely to develop skin cancer than Caucasians, they actually have a higher risk of dying from it. A very dangerous and fast-spreading skin cancer known as acral lentiginous melanoma is more common among darker-skinned people and may present as a growth in the mucous membranes, under the nails, or on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.  The fact is, no matter your skin color, you should be protecting your skin and having a yearly skin check by a dermatologist. 

Myth: 80% of a person’s lifetime sun exposure is acquired by age 18, so over age 18, it doesn’t matter how much sun you get. 

FACT: Actually, you only acquire about 23 percent of your lifetime UV exposure by age 18. Therefore, no matter your age, you should be protecting your skin by wearing sunscreen everyday and having yearly skin checks. 

Myth: Windows protect me from the Sun’s UV rays.

FACT: While glass does block most UVB rays, UVA radiation can still get through. Which means that even indoors or in a car with the windows up, you can tan or burn. 

Myth:  A cotton t-shirt at the beach will protect skin from sun burn.

FACT:  Cotton t-shirts provide the equivalent protection of SPF 6, which is far inferior to the minimum SPF 15 recommended to protect your skin. Even worse, when t-shirts are worn while wet, the protection factor decreases to around SPF 3, allowing more dangerous UV rays to penetrate through the shirt to your skin.  Always wear sunscreen, even if you plan to wear a shirt. 

Myth: Skin cancer only affects older people. 

FACT:  Young people are just as much at risk for skin cancer as older adults. In fact, due to overexposure to the sun and use of tanning beds in their teenage years, melanoma is now the second most common cancer in women ages 20-29.

Myth:  I don’t need to reapply "waterproof” sunscreen once I apply it.

FACT:   Water resistant sunscreens still need to be reapplied regularly (about every 2hr) since sweat, water and toweling off can remove the sunscreen’s protective layer.

Myth:  Skin Cancer can just be “cut out”.

FACT:  One person dies every 57 minutes from Melanoma.  And those that can have their skin cancer “cut out” or removed are commonly left with disfiguring scars and the lifetime need to diligently protect their skin from the sun.  

Those are the facts, so remember.. always protect and Love the Skin You're In.  

Protected from UV and Cute as Can Be!!

Summer is in full swing, and that means time at the beach, the pool, the park, baseball games and vacations... lots of great outdoor fun in the sun.  This time of year, it’s more important than ever to protect your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays.  

However, summer fashions of shorts, tank tops and swimsuits don’t provide a lot of coverage for our skin.  Time to search for a better option: cute clothes with UPF protection AND beautiful sun accessories!  To make your search easier, I’ve compiled a list of websites that sell my favorite clothes and accessories with UV protection. 

Mott 50 - www.store.mott50.com 

Sun Protective clothing and accessories that are on average UPF 50, as well as kids clothes and baby blankets  with adorable designs.  Great site for protective clothing, and if you sign up for their mailing list, you get 10% off your next order! 

Favorites: Jessica Swim Crop Top, Sonja Swim Dress, Annie Tunic, Open Cardigan, Elizabeth Straw Hat

Bloxsun -www.bloxsun.com

Bloxsun sells sun scarves in colorful patterns and fingerless sun gloves in UPF 50.  

The scarves are so versatile to cover your neck and arms, and sun gloves are perfect for protecting your hands from the signs of aging! 

Favorite: Sun Scarf in Floral

Orange Blossom Brand -www.orangeblossombrand.com 

UPF tees and fashions for the whole family.  10% off if you sign up for their mailing list! 

Favorites: Wide Brim Black Tweed Sun hat (it folds up for easy packing), Wayfarer Sunglasses

Coolibar - www.coolibar.com

A great variety of Sun Protective clothing for all ages and sizes, including Petite and Plus Size.  They also have a selection of Sunscreen and accessories available. 

Right now, they are offering 20% off orders of $100 or more + Free Shipping if you use the code JN20 (see website for details).  

Favorites: Ruche Halter Swimsuit, Ruche Bandeau Swimsuit, Crochet Beach Tunic, SmartStraw Riviera Sun Hat, Shapeable Poolside Sun Hat

Cabana Life -www.cabanalife.com

Beautiful Rashguards for her, and the cutest protective swimwear for the kids! Free Shipping on US ground orders $75 or more.  50+ UV Protection.  

And 15% off your first order when you sign up for their mailing list!

Favorites: Gold Ruched Rashguard, Embroidered Rashguard, Beach Pants, Girls’ Gold Rio Rashguard set, Boys’ Rashguard/Shorts Sets, Summer Lattice One Piece

For more sun protective clothing and accessories check out my Pinterest page! 

https://www.pinterest.com/nickyloveyoursk/ 

And as always, protect and Love the Skin You’re In! 

*I have not been compensated in any way for my endorsement of the above websites or products*

"How the Sun sees you"

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. But too many of us fail to properly protect it.  If you are not taking precautions to protect your skin from UV rays, you are damaging it.. even if you cannot see this damage with the naked eye.  

I wanted to share this video with everyone because it beautifully illustrates how the sun damages our skin and how dramatic the difference is when we use sunscreen to protect it.  The UV camera shows the past and future of your skin.  Enjoy! 

And as always, protect and Love the Skin You're In.  

(Please watch until the very end to see how sunscreen looks under UV)

Don't Fry! Products to monitor your UV exposure!

Happy Don’t Fry Day everyone!! Today is the day to encourage everyone you know to protect their skin.  

While we all know how important it is to wear sunscreen; we often can't track how much exposure we’ve gotten, and therefore don’t know when to re-apply.  However, there are a few products available to help us remember when it’s time to pull out the sunscreen bottle again, throw on a hat, or get ourselves indoors.  

I’ve gotten a lot of questions about these products, so here’s a post to outline 3 popular devices for measuring your UV exposure this summer.  

First, you could choose the one-time use Sunscreen Bands.  These plastic bands are meant to remind you when to re-apply sunscreen, and when to get out of the sun. Here’s how they work..

First, apply sunscreen to your exposed skin. Next, remove one band from the package and close the package back quickly as to not activate the remaining bracelets.  Fasten the band on your wrist with the printed side facing up.  Once the band is secure, expose the band to direct sunlight. The band will now turn dark purple.  This is the cue to apply sunscreen onto the band.  Allow the sunscreen to dry on the band for 15 min before getting it wet.  Wear the band outside of your clothing so it is continuously exposed to the sun. 

When the band turns a light purple, it is time to re-apply your sunscreen.  Remember to re-apply to all your exposed skin AND the sunscreen band.  

Once the band turns to an off-white color, it’s time to get out of the sun or cover up.  At this point, you have reached your maximum exposure for the day.  The band is no longer active and should be removed and disposed of.  

I found these bands (the brand is Sunscreen Brands or Sundicators) on Amazon for around $15 for a pack of 25 bands.  There are a few different brands and variations of the disposable bands, but they all operate basically the same way.  

I used these bands last weekend while attending an all day mud run event where I was in direct sunlight for approximately 4 hours, and they worked great! I didn’t get any sun. Not so much as a tan line, and definitely no redness.  

Pros:

-Great for kids

-Waterproof

-Easy to use

-Inexpensive

Cons:

-Doesn’t give you the realtime UV index

-One time use only (per bracelet)

-Doesn’t take into account your specific skin type

-Can’t use without sunscreen 

The next option is the SunFriend UV monitor.  This wearable monitor allows you to track your daily sun exposure.  This is the only item on this list that I have not tried out myself; however I did research it extensively and read multiple reviews on the monitor.  

It seems relatively easy to use; you press the buttons on the front to set your skin sensitivity number (1 being the most sun sensitive and 11 being the least sun sensitive).  Once the led lights on the front reach 11 and begin to flash, you have reached your maximum exposure for the day and should get out of the sun.  The monitor takes a UV index reading throughout the day, and you can check the current index at any time by pressing the UVI button.  You can also check your current sun exposure by pressing the UVA+B button.  The lights will start flashing when you you have reached your daily exposure maximum.  At this point you will need to hold the off button to power down and reset your device.  

The company seems to be marketing this device as a way to track your sun exposure in order to make sure you’re getting your daily dose of Vitamin D (which I believe you can get from your foods, and a supplement if necessary), and does not take into account sunscreen use. In fact, their website basically discourages the use of sunscreen and offers its product as an alternative.  However, it could still be a useful tool in determining your daily sun exposure, but should be used in addition to daily sunscreen.  

I found this product on Amazon for $49.99 and it comes in 5 different colors. 

Pros:

-Tracks your UVA+B exposure throughout the day

-Tracks realtime UV Index for your current location

-Waterproof up to 3 meters

-You can reset and reuse it daily

-Customizable for your skin type (sun sensitivity)

-Comes in multiple colors

Cons:

-Doesn’t take into account the use of sunscreen

-Unattractive/juvenile design

The final UV monitor I want to review for you is my personal favorite.  The June UV monitor by Netatmo is a wearable UV tracker that syncs with your iPhone via an integrated app.  The June is a diamond cut jewel with triangular facets that catch and reflect sunlight.  The jewel contains UV sensors to track your sun exposure in realtime, gives suggestions on the level of sun protection needed, and sends you reminders to apply sunscreen or increase your level of protection. 

The bracelet is beautiful (although it is obviously marketed to women), and the jewel can be removed and worn on the included leather or silicone wrist strap, as well as worn on your clothing.

  

The companion app is easy to use and clearly provides the information you need.  When you set up your new device, the app asks you to answer questions about your hair color, eye color, skin tone, and how easily your skin tans.  They use this data to generate a numerical value for your skin type (1 to 6), which determines the level of sun exposure they will recommend for you daily.  

There are three tabs on the app screen.  The “Now” tab gives you the current UV index for your location, a realtime tracker of your sun exposure for the day (you can choose whether or not you’ve applied your sunscreen, which will change your exposure level), and a recommendation of what protection to use (SPF 30 or 50, sunglasses, or a sun hat).  

The “Forecast” tab gives you the forecasted UV index for the day, with a recommendation of what protection to pack in your bag (sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat), and the time for the sunrise and sunset that day.  You can look forward up to 5 days of this information for your current location.  

 The “Timeline” tab shows you the amount of time you've spent both inside and outside for the given day, what the UV index was during the outdoor time, and how much of your overall daily sun exposure you've soaked up. 

You can enable push notifications to let you know when you’ve used up a large amount of your allotted daily sun exposure, as well as recommendations on when to apply sunscreen and what SPF to apply.  

My awesome twin sister surprised me with my June as a gift but they retail online for $129 via the Netatmo website.  However, I found them on Amazon from approximately $75 to $99.  They come in three different colors (gold, platinum, and gunmetal).  Each June comes with its own charger and two wrap bands (leather and silicone).  

Personally, I think this item, at this price point is most appropriate for people with a history of skin cancer or those who are very serious about monitoring their sun exposure.  And should of course, be used with sunscreen. 

Pros:

-Realtime tracking of UV exposure with option for with or without sunscreen

-Realtime UV index by current location

-Customizable by skin type

-Easy to use integration to iPhone app

-Beautiful design with 3 available colors

Cons:

-Companion app is only available for iPhone

-Device is rain and sweat resistant but not waterproof

-Price point is between $75 and $129

-Device only clips on to strap/clothing, must be secured or could fall off

-Design aimed at women only

Hope this information is useful for any of you that want a better way to monitor your daily sun exposure and remember when to re-apply your sunscreen.  

As always, protect and LOVE the skin you’re in.  

*I received no compensation for this review of products

Don't get caught with your pants down... Protect your Skin!!!

Every year, there are more than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the United States. However, the risk of skin cancer can be reduced by simply protecting your skin from the sun and its harmful UV rays daily.  So don't get caught with your pants down... Protect your skin!!!

Here are some easy ways to keep your skin protected every day:

Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible.  Sun hats, shades, and swim coverups are not just cute summer fashions.. they're a great way to keep your skin protected.

Always apply a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum (protection from UVA and UVB rays), water-resistant, and SPF 30 or greater. Reapply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after excessive sweating or swimming. 

How much sunscreen should you use?  A good rule of thumb is to use a shot glass worth of sunscreen for your body (that’s 1 oz)

Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand because they reflect and intensify the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chances of sunburn. A person's risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had just 5 or more sunburns in their lifetime. 

NEVER use tanning beds. The UV light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer (not to mention wrinkles!).  Pale is the new tan.. but if you want to look tanner, consider trying a self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.  

Have a yearly skin check with your dermatologist. Know your spots and be aware of your skin and the moles you have. If you see any mole or lesion on your skin that is changing, itching, bleeding or growing, see a dermatologist ASAP. 

First skin check? Read my post “Get Naked and Get a Skin Check!” for what to expect
http://lovetheskinwerein.blogspot.com/2015/04/get-naked-and-get-skin-check.html

Avoid the sun’s rays when they are the strongest; between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. A little tip is… If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, seek shade. 

Need to know how much protection to wear on a given day? 

Use the handy UV Index chart below!!

You can use your weather smartphone app to find the UV Index

 for your area at any given time.

As always, protect and Love the Skin You're In. 

Facts and UV Index chart provided by AAD.org 

Skin Cancer IS Cancer

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so I thought I'd start the month off with a post about the most basic form of skin cancer awareness. To me, that is the simple acceptance of skin cancer as a "real cancer".

When I started telling friends and family that I was diagnosed with skin cancer, I got a lot of different reactions. When I cancelled my membership at the tanning salon and told the girl there that just 6 months of tanning gave me skin cancer, she said "when they get rid of it you can always come back and tan again". Like it was a cold or something that I would just get rid of and be back in the tanning bed soon.

The most common reaction seemed to be almost relief, accompanied by the response of "well, they can just cut it out right?" It was so non-chalant that I almost started to feel the same.. that maybe skin cancer was no big deal.

It wasn't until my dermatologist stressed to me that having skin cancer would be life changing; that I would have a large (rather ugly) scar, would need to make changes in my sun protection routine, and that I would need to have my skin checked every 3 months; that I realized, Skin Cancer is Cancer and Skin Cancer is a “big deal”.

  

A skin cancer diagnosis WILL change your life and could even end it.

An estimated 16,170 people in the US will die from skin cancer in the year 2015. And the World Health Organization estimates that more than 65,000 people a year die worldwide from skin cancer.

This May, re evaluate how you love and protect your skin! By simply wearing proper sun protection, and encouraging others to do the same, we can prevent Skin Cancer!

As always, protect and love the skin you're in.

*Facts from the American Academy of Dermatology at www.aad.org 

Go Pale For Prom!!

As prom season approaches, many of you (or your teenage family members) are thinking about how to look best for their magical prom night. And for most pre-prom primpers, this includes a trip or two to the tanning bed.

I'm here to urge you to skip the tanning bed and Go Pale for Prom!

Here are the facts:

• Just one indoor tanning session before age 25 can increase your risk of Basal Cell carcinoma (the most common skin cancer) by 50%!

• Your first indoor tanning session can increase your chance of Squamous Cell Carcinoma by 67%

• Each year over 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the US (including Melanoma) can be linked to indoor tanning.

My 2013 diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma was directly related to just 6 months of indoor tanning. It CAN happen to YOU!

The last accessory you want for prom is a big skin cancer scar. So for prom this year, skip the tanning bed and Go Pale for Prom! I guarantee your dress or tux will look just as glamorous... maybe even better!!

Check out my pic below and you'll see just what I mean! I threw on an old Prom dress to show you how pale skin can be your best accessory... and a big scar can be your worst.  

As always, protect and love the skin you're in.

(Tanning facts provided by American Academy of Dermatology at aad.com) 

Get Naked and Get a Skin Check!

I'm always surprised to learn, when I talk to others about my skin cancer journey, that the majority of people have never seen a dermatologist. Well I'm here to tell you to see one ASAP. It is so important to have your skin checked annually.  A few  minutes a year spent naked with your doctor may just save your life.

However, since many of you have never had a skin check (and will hopefully be making an appointment for one after reading this), I'll tell you a little about what to expect.

First, your doctor's office will ask you to fill out a medical history. It is important to know whether or not any of your close family members have had skin cancer. So ask your mom  dad, grandparents, etc if there is any history of skin cancer in your family, and if so, what kind.

Next, you will be taken into a room, given a paper vest and sheet,  and asked to strip down to your underwear (ladies, you should be removing your bra). 

The doctor will come in and ask you few questions about your skin/medical history and  if there are any moles or "spots" you're concerned with. If there are, he will look at those areas first. Next he will look at your skin overall; usually starting with your head/neck and moving downward, noting anything suspicious. Yes, ladies, the dr will look through your hair to examine your scalp (so you may want to bring a brush).

He will look at all of your skin from your head to between your toes. Don't worry, he will only quickly peek at your tush and under your underwear, unless there is something you need him to examine in that area.

 As long as the doctor doesn't  find any suspicious spots that he wants to examine further, he will remind you to wear your sunscreen and schedule your next skin check for the same time next year. Within 5 minutes you're done! Something so quick and easy could save your life so make an appointment with a dermatologist today!