MADISON – With this warm weather, it’s easy to forget something as simple as reapplying sunscreen or protecting your skin — and plenty of Americans are guilty of it.
An integrative dermatologist with UW health said one in five Americans are expected to get skin cancer at some point in their life before the age of seventy. Plus, every hour, one to two people die of skin cancer.
“The most powerful thing you can do is just look at your skin,” said Dr. Apple Bodemer. “Spend three to five minutes just looking once a month. Not trying to memorize anything, not trying to find something, and also not getting stressed out about it. For people that have a lot of moles, that can be really stressful. Your goal is to get a gut sense about the kind of spots your body makes and what’s normal for you.”
Dr. Bodemer said sunscreen should be used as a backup method for skin protection. She stressed wearing clothing that covers the skin, good sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are some of the best options for keeping you safe all summer long. If you do notice a new spot on your skin that’s changing in size, color, or shape, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist, just to be safe.
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