The hottest days of the year are still ahead of us, and yet with these recent 90-degree temperatures, it’s time to truly start focusing on the health of your skin. Skin cancer in Arizona and melanoma in Phoenix is a serious and common condition, and the physicians at Family Practice Specialists need you to know how to protect your skin now. So, here are a few tips from our dermatologists and family physicians.
Cover Up – Here in Arizona, the sun is at it’s most powerful and most harmful between 10am and 4pm, so if you’re venturing outdoors during these hours be sure to cover up. Wear hats that cover your face, eyes and scalp. Wear tightly woven materials that absorb ultraviolet rays better than cotton materials. There are wonderful products out there that offer great protection for your skin, such as UV sunblock clothing and swimwear.
Sunscreen – I remember when my Papa would lather sunscreen on his nose each and every day of the summer so that he’d have a layer of white protecting his skin. It might have looked a little funny, but our Phoenix dermatologist reminds us that he had the right idea. Use sunscreen, and A LOT of it. Use a sunscreen that is at least a 15 SPF, waterproof and sweat proof, use layers and reapply often. If you’re heading out to a Spring Training Game or the lake, take the sunscreen with you and set your alarm to remind you to reapply every few hours. Apple at least 20 minutes before you’re headed to the game, or the lake, and reapply every two hours. If you’re swimming or sweating, reapply every hour.
Lip Balm – We often forget about our lips and sun protection until they are cracked and dry the next day. Look for lip balm that has an SPF just as the sunscreen, and apply often. Use the same techniques and timing as sunscreen.
Ears – In Phoenix, the sun can creep up on you and before you know it you’re sunburned. This time of year is the worst, when temperatures are sky high in an instant. As you get back into the habit of protecting your skin on a daily basis, don’t forget about your ears. The tops of your ears and hairline are often forgotten about. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 80 percent of skin cancers occur on the head, neck and hands. Protect these often forgotten about areas.
Healthy Tan – Our Phoenix dermatologists can’t remind you enough: there is no such thing as a healthy tan. Sure, living in Arizona you’re expected to have at least somewhat of a tan, right? Well, that expectation could be leading you right down the road to skin cancer. If you’re out in the sun for outdoor activities, that’s one thing. But if you’re intentionally laying out for the ‘tan,’ or under the hood of a tanning bed, you might want to make an appointment with Dr. Racette, our dermatologist, immediately.
Medications – Talk to your Family Practice Specialists physician about any medications that you might be taking and a possible increased risk for sunburn. Talk to Dr. Racette, your dermatologist, about any skin care or acne products you might be using as those often can greatly increase your risk for sunburns.
Overall, as the springtime temperatures hit record levels here in Phoenix, Arizona, the best thing that you can do is talk to your dermatologist about protecting your skin. Melanoma is no joke, and your best defense is your own willingness to take control of sun exposure. Talk to your dermatologist and family physician for more tips and information about skin cancer and skin care in Arizona.
Family Practice Specialists – Dermatology
Dr. Racette is a board-certified osteopathic dermatologist through the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology. Dr. Racette specializes in skin cancer detection and treatment. He is well versed in the latest techniques of Mohs surgery-a microscopically controlled procedure used to treat common types of skin cancer with optimal cosmetic results.
As a dermatologic researcher, Dr. Racette has received research grants for several of his innovative ideas. He has conducted research with many of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the industry, including Galderma, Amgen, Peplin, Johnson & Johnson, and many others. Dr. Racette has presented at conferences all over the U.S. and has been invited to speak as a guest lecturer on topics including general skin care, photoprotection and sunscreen, topical antioxidants, skin cancer, fungal infections, and many others.
His research has been published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Journal of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
Call Today – 602.955.8700
Visit Today – 4350 E. Camelback Rd.
Ste F100
Phoenix, AZ 85018