Skin Changes - Prevention
Most noncancerous skin bumps, spots, and
growths can't be prevented. But there are steps you can take to help
prevent some skin problems:
Measures to decrease your risk of infection
- Keep your skin clean.
- Wash with lukewarm water and a mild soap or
cleanser. Do not use soaps and skin cleansers that contain irritating
- Rinse your skin thoroughly after you wash it, and gently
pat it dry.
- Wash soon after participating in activities that cause
you to sweat.
- Do not use skin care products that contain oil,
because they may clog your pores. Instead, use water-based skin care products.
Read the labels on products, and look for the terms oil-free or
- Do not squeeze, scratch, drain, or puncture a
painful lump. Doing this can irritate or inflame the lump, push any existing
infection deeper into the skin, or cause severe bleeding.
irritation by wearing soft, cotton clothing or moleskin under sports equipment
(if possible). Parts of equipment (such as chin straps) can rub your skin and
irritate it. Adjust your clothing so that belts and straps or elastic from bras
or underwear do not rub against your skin.
Prevent skin cancer
Most skin cancer can be prevented by
protecting your skin from the sun. You may decrease your chances of developing
skin cancer and help prevent wrinkles by avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen protection. Be sure to prevent sun exposure in children and older adults too.
Do not use tanning booths to get a tan. Artificial tanning
devices can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
For more information on warts, see the topic
Warts and Plantar Warts.
information on how to help prevent acne, see the topic