Scalp to Soles: Skin Cancer Can Happen Anywhere
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a timely reminder that protecting your skin is a year-round commitment—starting from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and it doesn’t discriminate—it can develop anywhere on the body, even in places you might not expect.
Don’t Overlook the Unexpected
Many people remember to apply sunscreen to their face and arms but forget areas like the scalp, ears, lips, neck, back of the hands, and even the tops of the feet. These often-overlooked spots are especially vulnerable to sun damage and can be frequent sites for skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and even melanoma.
At our practice, we encourage a “Scalp to Soles” approach to sun protection and skin checks. Just because you can’t see the sunburn doesn’t mean the damage isn’t happening.
Full-Coverage Protection: Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer
Here are a few ways to better protect your entire body from harmful UV rays:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it’s cloudy.
- Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and UPF-rated fabrics.
- Don’t forget areas like your scalp (use spray sunscreen or wear a hat), ears, lips (use SPF lip balm), neck, and feet.
- Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Early Detection Starts with Awareness
In addition to prevention, regular self-checks and annual full-body skin exams with a board-certified dermatologist are key to catching skin cancer early. Look for new or changing moles, unusual spots, or anything that doesn’t look quite right—and make sure your scalp and soles are part of that check.
This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, commit to protecting yourself from the Scalp to Soles. Your skin is your body’s largest organ—treat it with the care and protection it deserves.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a timely reminder that protecting your skin is a year-round commitment—starting from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and it doesn’t discriminate—it can develop anywhere on the body, even in places you might not expect.
Don’t Overlook the Unexpected
Many people remember to apply sunscreen to their face and arms but forget areas like the scalp, ears, lips, neck, back of the hands, and even the tops of the feet. These often-overlooked spots are especially vulnerable to sun damage and can be frequent sites for skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and even melanoma.
At our practice, we encourage a “Scalp to Soles” approach to sun protection and skin checks. Just because you can’t see the sunburn doesn’t mean the damage isn’t happening.
Full-Coverage Protection: Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer
Here are a few ways to better protect your entire body from harmful UV rays:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it’s cloudy.
- Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and UPF-rated fabrics.
- Don’t forget areas like your scalp (use spray sunscreen or wear a hat), ears, lips (use SPF lip balm), neck, and feet.
- Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Early Detection Starts with Awareness
In addition to prevention, regular self-checks and annual full-body skin exams with a board-certified dermatologist are key to catching skin cancer early. Look for new or changing moles, unusual spots, or anything that doesn’t look quite right—and make sure your scalp and soles are part of that check.
This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, commit to protecting yourself from the Scalp to Soles. Your skin is your body’s largest organ—treat it with the care and protection it deserves.
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