Mohs Micrographic Surgery
We hope that you are fortunate enough not to ever have to consult with us about Mohs surgery. If you have had skin cancer, we hope you never have a recurrence. We offer these tips to keep your skin healthy and to limit the risks of skin cancer.
Sunscreen
There is no need to completely avoid the sun; however, you should develop a habit of applying a good sunblock at least 10 minutes before sun exposure. We recommend the use of an SPF 30 strength or higher with reapplication after swimming, heavy perspiration, and throughout the day.
Protective Clothing
A wide brimmed hat, long sleeved shirt, and other protective clothing should be used when possible. We recommend avoiding excessive sunshine (between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.), sunbathing, and sun tanning booths.
Personal Skin Exam
You should get in the habit of inspecting your skin surface, including the scalp, on a monthly basis. If you notice any changes in your skin or lesions which look suspicious to you, bring this to the attention of your dermatologist immediately.
Evaluation by a Dermatologist
A careful skin exam with care taken to look for skin cancer recurrence should be performed by a qualified physician, at 3 to 12 month intervals, depending on your diagnosis. After your wound has healed (usually 1 to 2 months), we request that you continue to be followed by your referring physician.
Follow Up
After having one skin cancer, statistics show that you have a higher chance of developing a second skin cancer in the future. Again, follow up with a physician comfortable with skin examination is important to your well being.
