Cancer is a dangerous disease and your skin is not impervious to this fatal illness. It is said that 1 in 5 persons in North America will develop skin cancer. Don’t let it be you!
Overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. No matter your age or skin color, it is important that you use sunscreen regularly to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
“I am sure that many of you wear sunscreen every day, but here are 4 places that we commonly forget,” notes Alicia Haslauer, a dermatology physician assistant at Poole Dermatology in Metairie, LA.
1. Ears
“Sometimes, you forget about your ears when you’re in a rush,” Haslauer states. Make sure to cover the tips, back, and lobes of your ears when putting on sunscreen.
2. Exposed scalp
Depending on your hairstyle certain parts of your scalp may be exposed to the sun. Make sure to cover these areas as your hair does not offer complete protection from the sun.
3. The neck
Make sure to cover the entirety of your neck, both the front and the back, even if your hair covers your neck. “This is especially true if your hair is short or you have an up-do hairstyle,” explains Haslauer.
4. Tops of the hands and feet
Your hands tend to experience a lot of sun exposure. Be sure to cover the tops of your hands and feet to fully cover the skin that often faces the sun.
It is important to apply a layer of sunscreen daily. “When in direct sunlight, make sure to reapply sunscreen often,” emphasizes Haslauer.
Your skin is a very important organ and you must take care of it. Begin a ritual of applying sunscreen as often as your doctor recommends and make sure you cover every part of your body. Contact Sanova Dermatology to learn more about your skin and how you can protect it.
More About PA Alicia Haslauer
Alicia treats a wide range of skin conditions as well as performs multiple surgical procedures and excisions. She is also expanding her interests and skills in cosmetic dermatology. She is board certified by both the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
She currently sees both Medical & Cosmetic patients at our Poole Dermatology location in Metairie, LA.