Everyone has questions about their skin and what they should be doing to protect it. With that in mind, we sat down with Dr. Basler to discuss a few frequently asked questions by dermatology patients. The answers start here! Without further ado, here’s our dermatology FAQ with Dr. Basler…
How can I better protect my skin?
- Even though summer is wrapping up, protecting your skin from the sun is still important! Ultimately, you want to avoid chronic and over exposure to the sun. Dr. Basler recommends wearing sunscreen every day all year round. Choose a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, which will protect you from both UVA and UVB sun rays. You’ll want to cover all areas of exposed skin with sunscreen, so on average, you’ll need to use about an ounce for your whole body. Be sure to rub it in well and about 10-15 minutes before heading outside. Besides sunscreen, you can also protect yourself by wearing the right clothing. A wide-brimmed hat and a loose-fitting long sleeve shirt are always good choices. And lastly, you can simply avoid the sun. Now that doesn’t mean that you can’t go outside, but it does mean that you should take extra precautions when you do. Minimize your time in the sun from 10 am-2 pm and seek shade when you’re outdoors.
How to deal with a sunburn?
- If you don’t take protective measures from the sun, you’ll likely end up with a burn. Depending on the severity of it, sunburns can be quite irritating and uncomfortable. In most cases, you’ll just have to tough out the pain. If necessary, Dr. Basler recommends taking a pain reliever, like Motrin, to help with the discomfort and swelling. Aloe vera can also help soothe the immediate pain and calm the burned skin. Your best bet is to just avoid getting burned in the first place!
How can I monitor my moles?
- Moles and pigmented lesions can either show up as or evolve into melanoma, which is the most deadly form of skin cancer. According to Dr. Basler, the best ways to prevent and monitor your moles are to be proactive about sun protection and getting your moles checked and treated early. To monitor your moles, do self-exams or partner-exams. If you or your partner notice anything new, changing, or unusual, you should visit your dermatologist as soon as possible. It’s better to get your moles checked out rather than potentially ignoring the first signs of skin cancer.
How often should I visit a dermatologist?
- Dr. Basler recommends visiting the dermatologist every year to get an annual body exam. It’s important to note, that melanoma can affect younger individuals, too, so don’t wait until your 70s/80s to get checked. If you have a genetic predisposition to skin cancer, you may need to come in every six months. Those who are at a higher risk for melanoma usually have an above-average number of moles and have dysplastic moles (unusual shape, size, or coloring).
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re ready to schedule a dermatology appointment with Dr. Basler at Complete Family Dermatology, please give us a call at 402-423-1111. If you didn’t find exactly what you’re looking for in this dermatology FAQ, feel free to reach out to us. We’re happy to help assist you with any dermatology questions or concerns.
