Basal skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer that rarely kills. However, it needs immediate attention, as it will cause skin thickening and scar tissues if it gets worse. Squamous skin cancer causes the enlargement and develops into ulcers if left untreated. Melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer but it is the most fatal.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
It is important to know the signs and symptoms of skin cancer in order to receive the proper treatment right away. Smooth, raised and pearly bumps are the primary symptoms of basal cell carcinoma. Scaling, red and thick skin patches are the symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, melanomas are often in the form of brown or black skin patches.
WHAT SKIN CANCERS LOOK LIKE
Skin cancers may look like
A spot or sore that does not heal within 4 weeks.
A spot or sore that itches, hurts, is scabbed or crusty, or bleeds for more than 4 weeks.
Areas where the skin has broken down (an ulcer) and doesn’t heal within 4 weeks, and you can’t think of a reason for this change.
PREVENTING SKIN CANCER
Skin cancer may be a serious medical condition but it is very easy to avoid and prevent. These are some of the ways you can prevent skin cancer:
Avoid smoking. Based on studies, smoking increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Therefore, you should quit smoking or avoid people who are smoking.
Apply sunblock. A broad-spectrum sunscreen, UVA or UVB with SPF 15 or higher is the best type of sunblock that helps prevent skin cancer. Apply it is daily in order to protect your skin from the sun.
Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds are the primary causes of skin cancer, as they directly damage your skin. Addiction to tanning beds will increase the risk of developing skin cancer. As an alternative, go to a spray-tanning salon instead.
Avoid the sun. The sun’s rays are especially harmful from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. Avoid going out or seek the shade during these times.
With these helpful tips, you can avoid developing skin cancer.