It may seem benign - a day at the beach without skin protection - but long-term exposure to the sun can increase your patient’s risk of experiencing melanoma in their lifetime. Dermatologists know that ultraviolet radiation, in the form of UVA and UVB rays, can penetrate the skin and contribute to the appearance of freckles, solar keratoses, and even melanoma. However, that’s just the start of some of the risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
Read MoreTopics: Skin Cancer, Sun Exposure, Melanoma
Many people believe that only Caucasians can get skin cancer. Dark-skinned African-Americans, Latinos and Asians often believe they are immune, and spend time in the sun without sun-block. Although Caucasians are more susceptible to skin cancer than people of color, people of all shades and pigments need to protect themselves against the ultraviolet, skin-cancer causing sun rays.
Topics: Skin Cancer, Sun Exposure, early detection
