Protecting Your Skin: Beyond Sunscreen

In this article:

• Understanding Comprehensive Sun Protection
• Essential Skin Cancer Prevention Methods
• Recognizing and Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses
• Your Complete Skin Check Guide
• Common Summer Skin Conditions
• Treatment Options at CMC Primary Care and Dermatology

Key Takeaways:

• Sun protection requires more than just sunscreen—protective clothing, seeking shade, and timing outdoor activities are equally important.
• Regular skin checks can help detect skin cancer early when it’s most treatable.
• Heat-related illnesses can be prevented with proper hydration and limited sun exposure.
• CMC Primary Care and CMC Dermatology offer specialized treatments in multiple locations across Horry County for all summer skin concerns.

Understanding Comprehensive Sun Protection

The summer months in Myrtle Beach, Conway, and surrounding areas bring beautiful beach days, golf outings, and outdoor adventures, but they also present significant challenges for maintaining healthy skin. While most people understand the importance of sunscreen, true skin health requires a more comprehensive approach.

Don’t wait until you notice a problem with your skin. Schedule a skin health check with our specialists at CMC Dermatology today by calling 843-234-8700.

At CMC Primary Care and CMC Dermatology, we explain that effective sun protection begins with understanding how UV rays affect your skin. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to premature aging and wrinkles, while UVB rays primarily affect the skin’s surface, causing sunburns. Both types increase your risk of skin cancer.

When choosing sunscreen, the husband-and-wife team of Dr. Galimberti and Dr. Li at CMC Dermatology recommend products labeled “broad spectrum” with an SPF of at least 30. Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. Remember that even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover and reach your skin.

But sunscreen alone isn’t enough. At CMC Primary Care, we advise patients that a truly comprehensive approach includes:

• Wearing protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts
• Seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Using UV-protective window films in your car and home
• Considering sun-protective clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings

This is especially important in our region, where outdoor activities like beach visits and golf are popular year-round.

Essential Skin Cancer Prevention Methods

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 5 million cases diagnosed each year. The good news is that skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.

Beyond sun protection, our specialists at CMC Primary Care and CMC Dermatology emphasize understanding your personal risk factors. These include:

• Fair skin, light hair, or light eye color
• Family history of skin cancer
• History of sunburns, especially during childhood
• Excessive sun exposure due to outdoor work or hobbies
• Presence of many moles or atypical moles
• Age (risk increases with age)

Preventative measures should be tailored to your specific risk profile. If you have multiple risk factors, Dr. Galimberti and Dr. Li at CMC Dermatology recommend scheduling annual skin checks, even if you don’t notice any concerning changes. With locations in both Conway and Myrtle Beach (Grande Dunes), getting expert care is convenient no matter where you live in the area.

Lifestyle choices also play a significant role in prevention. At CMC, we educate patients that maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants can help protect your skin from the inside out. Foods high in vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids support skin health and may help reduce cancer risk.

Recognizing and Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses

When discussing summer skin health, our CMC Primary Care physicians emphasize the importance of addressing heat-related illnesses, which can be serious and even life-threatening. These conditions range from mild heat rash to severe heat stroke.

Heat rash (prickly heat) appears as small, red bumps that often feel prickly or itchy. It typically occurs in areas where sweat becomes trapped, such as the neck, chest, groin, or elbow creases. To prevent heat rash:

Heat rash (prickly heat) appears as small, red bumps that often feel prickly or itchy. It typically occurs in areas where sweat becomes trapped, such as the neck, chest, groin, or elbow creases. To prevent heat rash:

• Wear loose, lightweight clothing in hot weather
• Stay in cool, air-conditioned environments when possible
• Keep skin clean and dry
• Use powder in skin folds to reduce friction

More serious heat-related illnesses include heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cool and pale skin, fast but weak pulse, nausea, and fainting. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which is characterized by a body temperature above 103°F, hot and red skin, rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness.

Prevention strategies include:

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration
• Taking frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas
• Scheduling outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day
• Wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Using a buddy system when working or exercising in extreme heat

Your Complete Skin Check Guide

At CMC Dermatology in Conway and Myrtle Beach (Grande Dunes), the husband-and-wife team of Dr. Galimberti and Dr. Li strongly advocate for regular self-examinations as a crucial part of early detection of skin cancer and other skin conditions. Follow these steps recommended by our dermatology specialists to perform a thorough skin check:

1. Examine your body front and back in a mirror, then check your right and left sides with your arms raised
2. Bend your elbows and carefully look at your forearms, upper arms, and palms
3. Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet
4. Examine the back of your neck and scalp using a hand mirror
5. Check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror

When examining your skin, our CMC providers teach patients to remember the ABCDE rule for identifying potential melanoma:

• Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other half
• Border: Irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred edges
• Color: Variety of colors within the same mole
• Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
• Evolving: Changing in size, shape, color, or elevation

If you notice any suspicious spots or changes in existing moles, schedule an appointment with our team at CMC Primary Care or CMC Dermatology right away. Our experienced providers across Conway, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Socastee, and Murrells Inlet are trained to identify and treat concerning skin lesions, and early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

Common Summer Skin Conditions

Beyond sunburn and skin cancer, Dr. Galimberti and Dr. Li at CMC Dermatology frequently treat various other skin conditions that can affect your comfort and health during summer months:

Swimmer’s Itch: This itchy rash is caused by an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites found in some lakes and ponds. Prevention includes showering immediately after swimming and avoiding shallow, marshy areas.

Folliculitis: Often called “hot tub rash,” this infection of hair follicles can result from bacteria in poorly maintained hot tubs or pools. Keep skin clean and dry, and avoid sharing towels or razors to prevent spread.

Contact Dermatitis: Summer plants like poison ivy, oak, and sumac can cause allergic reactions. Learn to identify these plants and wear protective clothing when in wooded areas.

Melasma: This condition causes brown or grayish-brown patches on the face and is often triggered by sun exposure and hormonal changes. The team at CMC Dermatology offers specialized treatments that can help manage this condition alongside proper sun protection.

Acne: Heat and humidity can trigger acne flare-ups. Our dermatologists provide effective treatments tailored to your skin type and condition severity.

Psoriasis: Sun exposure can sometimes improve psoriasis symptoms, but sunburn can trigger flares. Dr. Li and Dr. Galimberti help patients manage this complex condition with personalized treatment plans.

Treatment Options at CMC Primary Care and CMC Dermatology

At Conway Medical Center, we take pride in offering comprehensive skin care services through both our Primary Care and specialized Dermatology departments. Our treatment options include:

Preventative Care: Our CMC Primary Care providers work with you to develop personalized sun protection plans based on your skin type and lifestyle.

Skin Cancer Screenings: Both our CMC Primary Care physicians and Dermatologists are specially trained to identify suspicious skin lesions and recommend appropriate follow-up.

Advanced Treatments: For diagnosed skin cancers, our CMC specialists offer various treatment modalities including surgical excision, cryotherapy, and referrals for specialized treatments when necessary.

Management of Chronic Skin Conditions: Dr. Galimberti and Dr. Li at CMC Dermatology provide evidence-based treatments for a wide range of conditions including acne, bacterial skin infections, cold sores, eczema, psoriasis, scarring, and warts.

Comprehensive Dermatology Services: Our dermatology team treats conditions affecting not just the skin, but also nails and hair, for patients of all ages.

Our integrated approach at Conway Medical Center means that your CMC Primary Care physician can coordinate directly with our CMC Dermatology specialists when needed, ensuring seamless, comprehensive care. With primary care locations spread throughout Horry County—from Conway to Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach to Surfside Beach, and Socastee to Murrells Inlet—quality care is always close to home.

Ready to take control of your skin health? Don’t wait until a problem develops. Contact CMC Primary Care at 843-347-8000 or CMC Dermatology at 843-234-8700 today to schedule your comprehensive skin health check. Find a location near you in Conway, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Socastee, or Murrells Inlet.

The health of your skin reflects your overall well-being and deserves the same attention as any other aspect of your health. At CMC Primary Care and CMC Dermatology, we’re committed to helping you maintain healthy, protected skin not just during summer months, but throughout your life.

The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.

Sources

American Academy of Dermatology, “How to Perform a Skin Self-Exam,” https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/detect/how-to-check-your-skin

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Sun Safety,” https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm

Skin Cancer Foundation, “Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics,” https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/