Your dermatologists in Knoxville, TN, can help prevent skin cancer.

Do you love spending time out in the sun? If so, wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to worry about skin cancer? The truth is, there is an easy way to protect yourself and your skin against sun damage and skin cancer. You need to use an effective sunscreen; just ask your dermatologist!

Dr. Robert Griffith and Dr. Robert Griffith Jr. of Griffith Dermatology in Knoxville, TN, offer a wide range of medical and cosmetic skin care solutions, including screening for skin cancer.

Sunscreen lotions, creams, and sprays are available with a sun protection factor, or SPF. So, how much SPF do you need?

• You should wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 every day when you are outside
• You should wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 if you plan on being outside for an extended length of time
• You should wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 50 if you have light skin, you sunburn easily, or you have a history of skin cancer

In addition to wearing sunscreen daily, you should:

• Avoid continuous sunlight between 10 AM and 4 PM, when ultraviolet rays are the most damaging
• Avoid using tanning booths, tanning lamps, or other tanning equipment
• Wear a hat, sunglasses, and other protective clothing

You should also build a habit of examining your skin at least monthly, to look for any early signs of skin cancer. You need to look for moles that have:

• A diameter greater than 6 millimeters
• An irregular, ragged border
• An asymmetrical shape
• Grown back after a previous removal

You should also make a habit of visiting your dermatologist at least once each year for a skin cancer screening. Your dermatologist is an expert at the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is more common than you think. In fact, over 3.3 million people will be treated in the US for skin cancers other than melanoma. Skin cancer affects more people than lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. Remember that sun damage is cumulative, and you may not see any effects until years later, so take precautions now.

Apply sunscreen every day. It’s easy, and it can save you and your skin! To find out more about the importance of wearing SPF sunscreen, and other facts about skin cancer, talk with the experts. Call Dr. Robert Griffith and Dr. Robert Griffith Jr. of Griffith Dermatology in Knoxville, TN, at (865) 588-1361 now and protect your skin!