One in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer before the age of 70. While we all enjoy being outdoors during this fun and relaxing time of year, dermatologists are compelled to encourage our patients to practice sun safety in order to reduce the health risks associated with the summer sun. While the most common forms of skin cancer can be cured with surgery, some forms of skin cancer, such as melanoma, can be deadly.

There are a number of critical steps that can be taken to protect oneself from the sun’s damaging rays during these summer months.

Steps to follow:

• Your sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or higher, should be water-resistant and provide broad-spectrum coverage.
  Apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before going outside. It takes time for the sunscreen to fully absorb into the skin.
• Use One (1) ounce (approximately one full shot glass) of sunscreen. One ounce is needed to cover all exposed areas of the body.
• Just because you apply a higher SPF, it doesn’t mean you can stay in the sun longer or reapply less often.
• Toss your sunscreen after a year. Expired lotion doesn’t provide proper protection because the chemicals become inactive over time.
• Don’t forget your ears, scalp, lips, and the tops of your feet. These areas are very prone to sunburn and, ultimately, skin cancer.
• Use sunscreen specifically designed for the face. Your facial skin can be more sensitive to irritation and face sunscreens account for that.
• If using a spray sunscreen, remember to rub it in, and then spray again to ensure there are no missed spots.
  Use products containing zinc oxide and titanium oxide for sensitive skin. These ingredients are safest to use in young children and infants.
• Reapply every 80 minutes, even if you’re using a water-resistant formula. This is just as important as applying it initially.
  Wear protective clothing that is made with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) fabric. It indicates what fraction of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can penetrate the fabric. Many styles and types of fabrics are available that can be comfortable, look great, and keep the skin protected.
• Look for wide-brimmed hats and high-quality sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
  In addition to these sun safety measures, check your skin every few months and see a dermatologist if you notice anything changing, growing or bleeding/not healing. Our professionals are dedicated to helping you remain active, vital, youthful, and, above all, healthy.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, medical offices are back to being fully open for healthcare needs. While it is always important, the start of Summer is a perfect reminder to practice sun safety. While most of the country was in some stay at home order, many people canceled or skipped their annual skin cancer screening.

Dr. Richard Pfau, a co-founder of Anne Arundel Dermatology and its Affiliates, states: ‘in these unprecedented times, it is still important that people do not put off potentially lifesaving skin cancer screenings. On average, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Getting screenings regularly allows for early detection, and most skin cancers are highly treatable when detected early.’ It is important to schedule your annual skin cancer screenings as the Summer months approach, so our providers can proactively help with any skin damage or findings that may need to be addressed further.

Previously, the American Cancer Society had encouraged patients to postpone their nonessential screenings. Now, they have changed their response to the coronavirus pandemic. The American Cancer Society is now urging patients to return to seeking cancer screenings if they feel safe about visiting their health care providers.

While skin cancer can be highly treatable when detected early, some forms of skin cancer can be life-threatening – and putting off your dermatology appointment could put your life at risk. The State Government stated in May that elective procedures are now able to be resumed. From this, our offices have taken additional steps to protect our patients (link: safety and protocols page) while they are in our offices.

We put your safety first. As medical professionals, we are trained to place our patients’ well-being and safety above all else. That commitment to your health and safety is driving every decision made during this challenging time.

As medical professionals, we are trained to place the well-being and safety of our patients above all else, and that commitment to your health and safety is driving every decision made during this challenging time. We are closely monitoring all developments related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and we are strictly adhering to all guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and our local and state governments.

Our pledge to patients is to be here for care you know is essential. Patients and practices are free to elect necessary medical services and procedures that may have been delayed. We will continue to provide a safe and comforting office experience for all patients needing dermatologic services.

Though restrictions are easing, we remain committed to ongoing safety and prevention of illness transmission. You need to know what our clinic sites are doing to protect everyone:

• Everyone must wear a face mask. Patients may wear cloth masks and should have them on when they come into the office. Masks are required for adults and minor patients as outlined in executive orders from our governors. Wearing a mask may prevent the spread of small droplets, so please follow our lead and wear a mask throughout the visit whenever possible.
• Everyone must wash hands or use hand sanitizer when entering and leaving the office. Please use the sanitizer provided, as you see our staff and providers doing. It is the most helpful prevention measure in the infection control arsenal! Hand sanitizer, tissues, and lined trash receptacles may be found in every waiting area and clinic room for use by our patients.
• Patients must be screened at each visit for fever and flu symptoms. We perform the same screenings for every staff member, every day. Anyone with a fever or flu symptoms will be asked to reschedule the appointment. Patients with special risk, such as persons over 65 or persons with chronic health conditions, may wish to stay at home and use our convenient telehealth program.
• Patients will notice posters at the office about COVID-19. These are meant to educate and advise about how to limit the spread of the virus. Every member of our staff has also received CDC generated written educational information about COVID-19, and about personal protective equipment. Policies and postings are changed as guidelines evolve.
• Special physical distancing measures are now being taken, so please be patient with us when we do not get close to you or shake your hand. Please understand when we limit numbers in reception areas or we ask you to wait in the car to prevent office congestion. Please do not bring children under 12 or any others with you when you come for a visit. No one other than the patient and a required caregiver may be in the office. Sometimes these safety practices will add to the time it takes to complete your visit. Thanks for your understanding that our practices are meant to keep you safe and healthy.
  We have always prided ourselves on a clean, safe office environment. Now more than ever, cleaning and disinfection is of paramount importance. EPA registered cleaning materials are used frequently throughout the day on all surfaces in exam rooms, waiting areas, labs, and office spaces. High touch surfaces like door handles, exam chairs and tables, and restrooms are given special attention.
• Our waiting areas no longer offer magazines, pamphlets, or children’s toys, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect.

Be assured we remain fully prepared to evaluate and care for all of our patients, and we are taking all possible precautions to protect our patients, their families, our staff, and our communities. Thank you for your support and cooperation with these efforts as, together, we face this unprecedented public health challenge.