As Oklahomans, we love spending time outdoors, whether it’s gardening, ranching, or playing sports. However, it’s crucial to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Natasha Simonson, a member of the Oklahoma Academy of Physician Associates, shared essential tips to help keep you and your family safe.
Checking Your Skin
Simonson explained the ABCDE method, a simple way to check your skin for potential issues. ‘A represents asymmetry, so one side doesn’t look like the other. B is for border — if the border is jagged or doesn’t look distinct. C is for color — if it’s red or blue or dark or changing. D represents diameter, so that represents the width; if it’s larger than an eraser on a pencil, it can be smaller too. And then E is for evolving, so trust yourself. If you notice something is changing over time, bring in your provider and let them look at it and guide you,’ Simonson said.
Simonson also stressed the importance of checking all areas of the body, especially those exposed to the sun. ‘If you have a partner or friend or a good mirror, you can look over your shoulder. Any area that is exposed to the sun is really an area that needs special attention,’ Simonson said.
Everyone, regardless of skin tone, is at risk of sun damage. ‘Every skin tone has a risk of burning. I hate to admit it, but even a tan is a sign of UV injury to the skin. People that have a darker skin tone have a little more tolerance than those with lighter skin tones, but don’t take that for granted that you don’t need SPF. SPF 50-plus is really recommended, but sunglasses, hats, shade — just be smart,’ Simonson said.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
