2 Check to protect Keeping good skin health is important throughout the year, but especially in the summer months when you may be outside more. Protecting your skin every day will help lower your risk for skin cancer. Skin cancer is a disease that causes cells in the skin to grow out of control. Protect your skin from the sun anytime you are outside by: • Using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher • Wearing sunglasses • Using an umbrella or a hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck • Avoiding indoor tanning beds or sunlamps Skin changes that need to be checked include: • Changes in the color, size, or shape of a spot or mole • Spots or moles that itch or bleed • Unusual spots that look different from other spots • A spot that becomes raised or looks shiny • A new spot that appears suddenly If you notice a change, you can make a dermatology appointment. Presbyterian offers Virtual Dermatology for both adults and children. Appointments are typically available within two weeks. Virtual Dermatology appointments are $0 for Medicare members. Virtual Dermatology makes it easy to get care for skin, hair, and nails. You can talk to a provider over video from wherever you are in New Mexico. Not all conditions can be treated over video. If necessary, the provider may refer you for in-person care. Conditions you can talk about through video include: • Warts — small, rough bumps on skin • Acne — clogged pores or hair roots • Hair loss • Vitiligo — loss of color in certain areas of skin • Scars or rashes — raised or flat areas of healed skin • Rosacea — visible blood vessels • Psoriasis — itchy, scaly patches • Eczema — itching, pain, or skin rashes • Contact dermatitis — a red, itchy rash • Moles or suspicious spots — raised or flat areas of skin that are darker than the rest of the skin For more information about scheduling a Presbyterian virtual visit, go to www.phs.org/ virtualcare.
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