Summer is here, and along with summer comes a lot of time spent outdoors.

One should ensure the necessary steps are being taken to protect the skin.

Ethnicity does not define one’s chance of developing skin cancer. Everyone is at risk and should use caution when in the sun.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that people use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher every day. If people are in the outdoors for an extended period of time, they recommend using an SPF of 30 or higher. Remember: sunscreen needs to be applied more than once. If sunscreen says it is water-resistant, it should still be re-applied every two hours and especially after getting in the water.

Avoid tanning in tanning beds, as these are known to produce sunrays that cause skin cancer. If a person is under 35 years old and uses a tanning bed once, he is 75 percent more likely to develop melanoma.

Try to avoid burning! Sunburn means damage has been done to the skin. To avoid burning, seek shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Keep newborns out of the sun; sunscreen should be applied to babies over 6 months old.

Skin cancer can be treated and cured; therefore, it is crucial to detect it early. People should do monthly skin exams on themselves and have an exam done by a dermatologist annually.

Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a bump or sore. It may ooze or crust and last longer than a month, rather than healing. Squamous cell carcinoma will appear as a scaly red patch or growth-like sore that crusts or bleeds. These can develop in areas where there are scars. Other warning signs of skin cancer include new or existing moles that change in shape and size. If they have an asymmetrical border or are larger than the size of a pencil eraser, this is an indication of melanoma. If one notices any of these signs or other abnormal skin growths, seek the help of a dermatologist immediately.

For more information on skin cancer prevention, contact Beaufort County Health Department at 252-946-1902, or visit www.facebook.com/beaufortcountyhealthdept.