Approximately one percent of all skin cancers are melanomas. It is also known as cutaneous or malignant melanoma. If you have been diagnosed with melanoma, you will need to make some lifestyle changes for managing melanoma. These   changes, along with the ongoing medication and treatment, will improve your quality of life. What are these changes? Let us find out. 

Lifestyle changes for managing melanoma 

• Protect your skin from the sun
  If you have already had one melanoma, it automatically means that you are at risk for more. However, there are a few lifestyle changes for managing melanoma and shielding your skin. 
  • Stay indoors between 10 AM and 4 PM. It is when the sun’s rays are sharpest, and the impact of the UV rays is the strongest. 
  • Whenever you step out of the house, wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or more. It will protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Further, you must reapply the sunscreen every two hours. Increase the application if you are sweating, swimming, or spending a lot of time around snow or water.
  • When you step out in the sun, be fully clothed. You can wear a broad-brimmed hat, long sleeves top, and full-length pants.
  • Protect your eyes with wraparound sunglasses. 
  • If you are consuming photosensitive drugs, be extra cautious. These drugs heighten your sensitivity to the sun. It also includes chemotherapy drugs. 
  • Physically examine your body every once in a while to look for any new marks or moles. 

• Stay physically active
  Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep yourself healthy. When your body is strong, it is better able to fight anything that comes your way. Further, being physically active also relieves you from the stress and anxiety you may be experiencing due to the ongoing treatment. Additionally, it will also help you stay positive through and after the treatment. Moreover, when you undergo the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, your body might experience high fatigue levels. So, whenever you feel tired, it is okay to take a break and rest your body. 
• Eat healthily
  While you are undergoing treatment for melanoma, the best way to feel better is by fuelling your body with the right food. For this, you should head a healthy and balanced diet. It will reduce the risk of your body developing any more harmful condition. You can consult a nutritionist to know about the type of vitamins and nutrients your body needs to respond to the treatment better. People who undergo cancer treatment, experience nausea and a loss of taste, among other side effects. Though these may reduce over time, it is best to speak to a specialist who can help you overcome these issues and help you get the right amount of fuel for the body.