Yes, I admit... I'm a bit of a hypochondriac. I've always been that way. On the one hand, I love knowing about medical procedures and ailments (I used to love watching the surgery channel), but on the other hand, I know that once I'm armed with this new medical knowledge, I'll be convinced I have whatever I just learned about...So, given all the publicity recently about Laura Bush's skin cancer, I started reading about it. If you have a mole that looks suspicious and has grown, you should see a doctor. Or if you have any strange skin lesion that hasn't healed and is persistent, you should get it checked out.
I'm olive-skinned, so I never thought I should worry. But, I did grow up in Arizona, and I do admit I wasn't religious about sun-screen. So, when I noticed a couple of suspicious moles on my calves (apparently, that's where a lot of skin cancer starts), I was prepared for the worst.
Did you know that after years of being in the sun, even Liz Taylor developed skin cancer? You have to be vigilant and proactive.
Anyway, I am happy to report that I went to a dermatologist this week and within 2 minutes (actually 90 seconds), he was able to quell my hypochondriac fears. So, I am a little red faced, but at least I know.
Sun-screen, my dears. Not just for preserving the beauty and suppleness of your skin, but also the health of your body and soul.
I have skin cancer paranoia too. Back in my careless teen years, I got a particularly bad sunburn on my back and shoulders. Now the slightest bump on my back sends me running for the mirror to verify it's not an engorged, cancerous mole that has formed overnight.
ReplyDeleteI've always had very fair skin, though. A burn isn't some redness and peeling. Oh no. When I burn, I have to grow all new skin from the muscle up. (Ok, maybe I exaggerate, but only slightly.)
Anyway, I like the Neutrogena sunscreen. And I always carry a travel size bottle of SPF 45 in my purse.
I'm glad I'm not the only one ;-) Even though the dermatologist gave me the all clear, I still can't help double-checking in case he didn't take a long enough look (he spent all of 2 seconds looking at them... I guess if they're not suspicious looking, you really don't need to investigate any further).
ReplyDeleteGood on you for using SPF. I now have SPF45 on my face too. Better safe than sorry!