If you’ve undergone Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer, you’re likely already familiar with the importance of early detection and getting expert care. However, your journey doesn’t stop after Mohs. Those with a personal history of skin cancer are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer again in the future, making prevention strategies crucial to continued health and wellbeing. Below are a few important things you can do after Mohs surgery to help reduce your risk of recurrence.
Commit to Daily Sun Protection
One of the most effective steps you can take to reduce your risk of future skin cancers is to practice healthy sun protection habits every day. This includes wearing daily sunscreen, even when it is cloudy or raining, since UV rays can penetrate clouds. UVA rays can also penetrate glass, so it’s important to wear SPF when driving or sitting near a window, such as at your office.
One common sunscreen mistake that many people make is not applying enough to get the full SPF coverage listed on the bottle. As a general rule of thumb, apply one ounce of sunscreen to cover the exposed areas of your body and a nickel-sized drop for your face and neck.
Many brands also now make attractive UV-protecting clothing that can offer added protection when outdoors for long periods of time.
Make Lifestyle Adjustments
In addition to making sun protection a part of your daily routine, other lifestyle changes can help to lower your risk of future skin cancer. These adjustments include things like avoiding deliberate tanning, both outdoors and indoors, staying out of the sun during the peak hours of 10am to 4pm, eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and not smoking.
Perform Regular Self Exams
A crucial strategy for early detection of skin cancers is performing regular skin exams on yourself so that you can spot any new or potentially problematic lesions as soon as possible. Look for any new or changing spots on your skin, noting changes in the size, shape or color. If you notice anything suspicious or that you’re unsure about, contact Dr. Dharia as soon as possible so that he can perform an in-office evaluation and/or a biopsy if necessary.
Schedule Professional Skin Checks
Even if you don’t notice any unusual or changing spots on your skin, it’s important to keep up with regular office visits to ensure your skin looks healthy. Dr. Dharia generally recommends that those at a greater risk for skin cancer, including people with a personal or family history of skin cancer, come in for a check-up every six months. If you recently had Mohs surgery, Dr. Dharia may ask that you make more frequent follow-up appointments for a period of time. Be sure to keep these appointments to stay on top of your skin health and overall wellness.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dharia or if you have specific questions about your skin health, please call us at 805-484-2855 or get in touch with us online.
Author: Dr. Daniel G. Kolder
Dr. Daniel G. Kolder is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a highly trained plastic surgeon serving Ventura County, he is best-known for his warm, easy manner, compassionate care, and beautiful, natural results.