As the temperatures continue to heat up, a health expert in Dallas County provides tips to avoid getting skin cancer.

Community Health Educator Natalie Peters stresses the importance of protecting your skin as too much exposure from the rays of the sun can lead to long term issues down the road. She says that the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends for adults to get screened at least once a year by a dermatologist. Peters recommends avoiding being out in the sun during peak temperature times between 10am and 4pm.  

She explains that people don’t have to barricade themselves indoors, but if they are outside, they should seek shade every 20 to 30 minutes, apply sunscreen with 30 Sun Protection Factor (SPF) every two hours, as well as wearing a hat and sunglasses to shield facial features. Peters details areas that people can identify to be on the lookout for in terms of skin cancer.

“You can examine your own body for sores that don’t heal or keep returning, a mole that changes in color, size, shape, or symmetry, a painful lesion that itches or burns, a small lesion with an irregular border and varying colors. Also a pearly or waxy bump, and then a firm red nodule.”

Peters suggests going to see your doctor or dermatologist if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms to quickly get them treated.