It has become increasingly common to hear scientists and doctors preach about the harmful damage that UVA and UVB rays can have on our skin. In response, parents are doing what’s necessary to prevent their children from getting melanoma. Or are they?
According to Pediatric Oncologist Dr. Dennis Hughs, 1 out of 50 children born will be diagnosed with melanoma and more kids are getting melanoma even when they don’t spend extensive time in the sun. Could it be genetic or is it environmental? The doctor recommends getting yourself and your family checked once a year. It’s also helpful to learn the ABCD (and now E) rule to spot melanoma:
- A for Asymmetry- does one side of the mole look different than the other side?
- B for Borders- are they irregular or blurry?
- C for Color- darker does NOT mean bad but is the mole lots of different colors?
- D for Diameter- if it’s larger than the diameter of a number 2 pencil it should be checked out.
- E for Evolution- is the mole changing over time?
Most of us know that sun block is not recommended for children under 6 months of age. We recommend putting them in sun protective clothing and caps when in the sun. Check out this video before heading out in the sun. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
