May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. In an effort to help raise awareness, we spoke to Dr. Jess Prischmann from Prischmann Facial Plastic Surgery for advice.
When should you start worrying about skin cancer?
It’s never too early to start examining your skin. A dermatologist is the best person to ask, but the signs I hear most are a “pimple” that won’t go away and an area that would bleed for no reason.
What should people do to better protect themselves?
Use SPF 30 or higher everyday and re-apply. To be safe, stick with sunscreen containing zinc oxide.
What about kids?
Not a spray. I would instead opt for a good [sunscreen] containing zinc oxide.
About how many treatments do you perform in a year?
I am a facial plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructing patients after skin cancer. We see skin cancer patients weekly. If you see a worrying mole, advocate for yourself and get it biopsied.
