Today is Melanoma Monday, and the official pick off to skin cancer awareness month. As we prepare to spend more time outdoors, I hope this is a reminder to everyone the importance of use sun protection. This patient pictured above came in for a spot that was changing for 2 years. It was a melanoma. He had several other spots that were concerning for melanoma (see stories to see if you can spot his other melanoma). ✨What is melanoma? It’s the most serious form of skin cancer. Melanoma may appear on the skin suddenly without warning but also can develop within an existing mole. ✨What causes melanoma? Both UV light from the ☀️& tanning beds can cause melanoma & increase the risk of a mole ➡️ melanoma. ✨Can melanoma be treated? YES!! It’s always better to see your dermatologist early and often. ✨Can melanoma be prevented? YES!!! Here’s how to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays: ✨Seek the shade. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, seek shade. ✨Apply a broad-spectrum (provides UVA & UVB coverage), water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or ⬆️ to all skin not covered by clothing. ✨Use extra caution near water, snow, & sand: they reflect &intensify the damaging rays of the sun, which your chances of sunburn. #melanomamonday #skincancerawarenessmonth #skincancerprevention #skincancerscreening #sunscreen #funinthesun😎 #boardcertifieddermatologist