Lifestyle modifications wouldn’t directly reduce melanoma; however, they do have a significant role in helping you with managing the disease in a better manner. With these lifestyle changes, the immune system becomes stronger, and you are better equipped to fight melanoma. Here, we’ll discuss some of the common  lifestyle changes to manage melanoma.

Do not smoke
If you continue smoking during melanoma treatment, the process of healing will slow down. Hence, quitting cigarettes could be one of the best ways to boost your immunity. It is a great way to facilitate faster recovery. You can discuss some of the ways to avoid smoking with your doctor.

Curtail your exposure to harmful UV rays
Sun is the biggest source of the harmful UV rays. Unfortunately, the treatment for skin cancer makes the skin highly reactive to the sun. Moreover, constant exposure to the sun puts you at risk of developing a sunburn. Hence, you should curtain the time that you spend outside when the sun is sharp and bright. For this, you should:

• Keep your skin fully covered once you step out of your home; for this, you can wear a hat, sunglasses, and clothing that covers sensitive areas, like the feet, arms, legs, and the head.
• Look for an area where there is shade if you are forced to step out in the sun.
• Try to avoid the sun from 10 am to 4 pm because during these hours the rays are sharp.
• Wear sunscreen while going out; opt for a product, which has a broad SPF; re-apply sunscreen every few hours.
• Opt for sunglasses, which block the UVA as well as the UVB rays by up to 100%.
• Keep away from tanning beds and sun lamps.

Reduce the risks of different infections
Because of the side-effects of melanoma and its supported treatment, your body’s natural ability to combat infections is reduced. As a result of this, common infections, such as flu or cold, are more frequent, severe, and take additional time to go away. Hence, you should take measures to reduce your risk of acquiring these infections. This is an important  lifestyle change to manage melanoma.  For this, you should:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially before and after meals. Carry a sanitizer so that when washing your hands is not possible, you can make use of them.
• Keep yourself away from larger crowds during the flu or cold season.
• Refrain from touching your nose, eyes, or mouth when you touch any object or surface in public.
• Disinfect or clean the surfaces in your house frequently.
• Ask your healthcare professional about the vaccines available.

Exercise every day
Exercise is a great way to boost your immune system and maintain your body weight. Spend at least 30 minutes every day by doing any form of exercise, which you enjoy, such as cardio, dancing, yoga, swimming, among others. Ensure you do these activities safely and take necessary rest once you are done.