Healthier Skin during June, Men’s Health Month
June is Men’s Health Month and its purpose is to increase awareness of preventable health problems and promote better health for men. Here at Knoxville Dermatology Group, we wanted to take this opportunity with our blog to remind men (and the women who care about them) about the importance of routine skin exams that can often lead to early detection and prevention of more serious skin issues.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States – According to the most recent statistics available from the Centers for Disease Control, more men than women are diagnosed each year with melanomas of the skin. The same research also shows nearly twice the number of men than women have died from melanomas of the skin in recent years.
While there are many different circumstances that play a role in a person’s health and prognosis, one theory behind why men with melanoma experience higher mortality rates is related to how men view going to the doctor. Most men don’t go to the doctor unless they feel extremely sick. This type of attitude can be detrimental to one’s health because it discounts the importance of early detection and preventative care.
Early detection – Early detection through routine self-exams is an important part of being proactive when it comes to skin health. It is important for both men and women to perform regular self-exams and note any skin changes to report to their dermatologist. Another factor crucial to your skin’s health is establishing annual appointments with a board-certified dermatologist, such as one of the members of our team here at Knoxville Dermatology Group.
Prevention – Preventative measures are also crucial for men. The best way to prevent melanoma is to protect your skin from the sun and avoid extended periods of sun exposure. When outdoors, wear clothing and hats that cover exposed skin, glasses with UV protection and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks the two main types of radiation: UVA and UVB. While women might get some sunscreen protection built-in with their cosmetics products, chances are most men don’t follow the best practice of wearing sunscreen every day. However, there are new lighter (odor-free) formulas that are more male-friendly to encourage men to practice sun protection.
We hope Men’s Health Month will be an opportunity for you to remember to do a self-exam and possibly schedule an appointment for yourself (or the guy in your life) to see one of our board-certified physicians. The main thing to remember is that healthy skin takes a bit of effort. From prevention and early detection to a commitment to treatment and continued education, here at Knoxville Dermatology Group, your healthy skin is our business.
Would you or the man in your life like to learn more about the treatments and products available to keep his skin healthy and looking great? Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.
Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.
