Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Melanocytic nevus primary prevention
Introduction
Editors-In-Chief: Martin I. Newman, M.D., FACS, Cleveland Clinic Florida, [1]; Michel C. Samson, M.D., FRCSC, FACS [2]
Prevention
Prevention
Sun exposure may drive up the total number of moles and cause them to become darker. Because studies have found that sunburns and too much time in the sun can increase the risk factors for melanoma, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends:
- Staying out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. standard time (or whenever your shadow is shorter than your height).
- Forgoing tanning booths
- Wearing sun block, a hat and sunglasses outdoors