Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in the melanocytes or skin cells. These cells are behind the production of melanin, responsible for giving the skin its natural hue. There are a few risk factors, which aggravate your chances of developing melanoma. Simultaneously, there are a few ways to protect yourself from it. Let us take a look at both of them one by one.

Let us take a look at the risk factors and prevention tips for melanoma.

Risk factors for melanoma

• Pale skin
  When the amount of melanin in your skin is less, it implies that you have less protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Further, people who have red or blond hair, light-hued eyes, and experience sunburn or freckles easily have a greater chance of developing melanoma than those with a darker skin complexion. However, melanoma may develop in people with dark skin too.

• Sunburn history
  When you have one or more blistering sunburns, your vulnerability to melanoma is higher.

• High exposure to UV rays
  People who have high exposure to UV rays emitted either from the tanning beds and lights or directly from the sun are at an increased risk of developing melanoma.

• Located near to the equator
  People who reside at a higher elevation or live closer to the equator are at a higher risk of developing melanoma. When people are located closer to the equator, they are exposed to the sun’s direct rays. As a result, the exposure to UV rays is high compared to those who live either south or north of the equator. Furthermore, people living at higher elevation also are more exposed to UV rays.

• Having more than a few moles
  If you have over 50 ordinary moles on your body, you are at a greater risk of developing melanoma. Further, having unusual moles also increases your risk. Unusual moles are the ones that may have irregular borders and are more prominent than regular moles. These could have different colors.

• Familial link
  If someone in your family had melanoma, the risk of developing the disease are more.

• Weak immune system
  Those with a weaker immune system are also at a greater risk of developing melanoma. Your immune system is compromised if you undergo an organ transplant, take medications to suppress the immune system’s functioning, or have diseases like AIDS.

Prevention for melanoma
Though you cannot eliminate the risk of melanoma 100%, you can still take some measures to prevent it. These include:

• Not stepping out in the sun when the rays of the sun are the sharpest.
• Applying SPF 30 sunscreen whenever you step out in the sun.
• Reapplying the sunscreen every two hours or more if you sweat a lot.
• Be fully covered when you step out in the sun.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and head.
• Not using tanning lamps or tanning beds.
• Always wearing sunglasses when stepping out.

So, these are the risk factors and prevention tips for melanoma.