In South Carolina, where sunny days, outdoor work, and beach weekends are a way of life, protecting your skin isn’t just about looking good; it’s about staying healthy. Whether you’re a farmer tending crops, a first responder on duty, a beachgoer soaking up the sun at Isle of Palms or Lake Murray, or someone walking your dog on a sunny afternoon, skin cancer is a real and rising risk.
At Columbia Skin Clinic, we’re committed to helping our neighbors across the Midlands and beyond recognize the signs of skin cancer, take steps to protect themselves, and understand why early detection is so important. Protecting your skin is more than a routine, it’s a necessity.
Why South Carolinians Face Higher Risk
With more than 200 sunny days a year, it’s no surprise that many South Carolinians, farmers, construction workers, linemen, law enforcement, teachers, and weekend beach enthusiasts spend countless hours outdoors. While a sunny lifestyle has its perks, it also means higher cumulative UV exposure, which can increase the risk of developing skin cancer over time.
Even brief but repeated exposure to the sun, especially without protection, adds up. Those with fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer are particularly at risk. As skin cancer rates continue to climb in our region, awareness and prevention are more important than ever.
Common Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It usually appears as a pearly bump, a pink patch, or a sore that doesn’t heal. While it grows slowly and rarely spreads, BCC can still cause significant damage if left untreated, especially on areas that get the most sun, like the face, neck, shoulders, and back.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, and it’s a bit more aggressive than BCC. It may show up as a red, scaly patch, a wart-like bump, or a sore that bleeds and doesn’t heal. SCC is often found on the ears, lips, scalp, and hands, areas frequently exposed to the sun in both work and play.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer because it can spread quickly to other parts of the body. It often starts as a new or changing mole or even a dark streak under a fingernail. Melanoma can develop anywhere, even in areas you might not expect, like the soles of your feet. Early detection is critical, so any new, unusual, or changing spots should be checked by a dermatologist right away.
Know the Warning Signs
Skin cancer doesn’t always look the same for everyone, but the ABCDE rule is a simple way to spot warning signs:
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the spot doesn’t match the other.
- B – Border: Irregular, blurred, or ragged edges.
- C – Color: Uneven colors or multiple shades in one mole.
- D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or texture.
Other things to watch for include sores that don’t heal, shiny bumps that bleed or crust, or rough, scaly patches that continue to grow. If anything looks suspicious, it’s better to have it checked.
How to Protect Your Skin in South Carolina
Completely avoiding the sun isn’t practical, especially when summer fun calls! Whether you’re working outside, heading to the lake, or enjoying a day at Lake Marion, small daily habits can make a big difference.
Start with applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days. At Columbia Skin Clinic, we recommend trusted favorites like the EltaMD line of sunscreens and ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+ for their lightweight feel and dermatologist-approved protection.
In addition to sunscreen:
- Cover up with wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and UV-protective sunglasses.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours (and even more often if you’re sweating or swimming!).
- Try to avoid direct sun during the strongest UV hours, between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- And most importantly, schedule a professional skin exam once a year, or more often if you have higher risk factors.
These simple steps go a long way in keeping your skin healthy while still enjoying everything the Palmetto State has to offer.
Your Skin, Our Priority
Whether you’re raising cattle, surfing at the beach, working a construction site, or coaching your kid’s soccer team, your skin deserves protection and expert care when you need it. At Columbia Skin Clinic, we’re proud to care for the people who make South Carolina shine. From routine skin checks to advanced treatments like Mohs surgery, we’re here to keep your skin healthy and strong.
This May, in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to protect what matters most: your health, your family, and your future.
