Welcome to Fall

It’s the time of year where summer is winding down, the weather is starting to change back to cooler temperatures and we are reminded of all the fun that we had in the sun.  Even as we enter fall it is important to not let your guard down, sun damage can happen year round.  Protection from the sun is important even as we take fall hikes to see the changing color of leaves, watching our kids sports games and even sneaking in one final trip to the beach.  For those who work outside, it is easy to forget to apply the recommended amount of sunscreen for protection.  It takes approximately one ounce or about a shot glass size of sunscreen to provide for coverage for exposed areas of the skin.  Make sure to use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 sunscreen to provide maximum protection.

As our kids start back to school, ensure that they are protected with proper clothes and sunscreen.  The sun is still strong enough to cause sunburn during the afternoon practices and weekend games.  With the long lasting effects of just a single sunburn, it is important to start protecting our skin at a young age.

If you have enjoyed the sun and what has been the warmest weather on record, it is a great time to start self-assessing your skin for any signs of skin damage or skin cancer.  Western Maryland Dermatology has provided an easy to use guide in our health library located at www.wmderma.com.  We have recently revamped the website to provide you with the information that you need to help make informed decisions.  This includes an all new chat feature that allows you to skip the phone call to make your next appointment.  It is just one more reason to trust the skin experts at Western Maryland Dermatology.