Protecting your skin and checking it for changes are keys to
preventing another melanoma or catching one in an early,
treatable stage. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays produced by
the sun increases your risk of melanoma. Here’s how to protect
your skin from the sun’s UV rays: - Cover your skin with
clothing, including a shirt and a hat with a broad brim. - When
outside, try to sit in shady areas. - Avoid exposing your skin
to the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. standard time or
11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daylight saving time. - Use sunscreens
with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more on skin that
will be exposed to the sun. - Wear sunglasses with 99% or 100%
UV absorption to protect your eyes. - Don't use sun lamps or
tanning booths. Check your skin regularly and have someone help
you check areas you can’t see, such as your back and buttocks,
scalp, underneath the breasts of women, and the backs of the
legs. If you notice a new, changing or an irregular-looking
mole, show it to a doctor experienced