Four Steps to Sun Safety
For some of us, nothing feels as good as basking in the warm sun. But keep this in mind: If you bask more than just a little, you’re exposing yourself to some big health risks.
An estimated 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). And one form of skin cancer—melanoma—is potentially deadly.
But you can do a lot to protect yourself. Start by understanding these four facts:
Sunlight contains two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays—UVA and UVB. Both can be dangerous. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can weaken the immune system. That can make it easier for cancer to develop. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn. Severe sunburns, particularly in childhood, increase the risk of skin cancer. Most UV rays come from the sun, but they’re also generated by artificial light sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps. According to the AAD, all UV exposure is unsafe. You can lower your risk for skin cancer by limiting your exposure to UV rays.
Two: Tanned skin is damaged skin. This damage builds up over time, contributing to premature aging of the skin and the risk of skin cancer. People who like the look of a tan should consider using a sunless tanning product, such as a bronzer or self-tanner. But continue to use a sunscreen.Three: Stick with proven protections. For example, use sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher. Be sure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and follow application directions. Also, cover up as much as you can. Wear a hat, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sunglasses and try to stay in the shade.Four: Don’t rely on the sun for vitamin D. Instead, get this bone-building nutrient from a healthy diet.
Foods naturally containing vitamin D include fatty fish, such as salmon. Other foods such as milk, yogurt, orange juice and cereal often have vitamin D added.
Watson Clinic’s expert dermatology team offers their services from five convenient locations. Schedule an appointment today for a routine skin evaluation and consultation at the following numbers:
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Bella Vista Building, Lakeland Highlands & South 863-680-7267
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Sun City Center 813-633-6121
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Zephyrhills 813-788-7867
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Toll Free 866-409-DERM (3376)
Skin Care and The Sun
A bad sunburn can cause skin pain and nausea. And too much skin damage from the sun can cause cancer. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your primary care doctor or visit a Watson Clinic board-certified dermatologist at one of our four locations throughout Polk, Hillsborough & Pasco counties offering dermatology services.
Three main types of skin cancers:
- Basal cell carcinoma (80% of all skin cancers): This is the easiest to treat. It usually appears on the face, neck and hands as pearly, slow-growing, raised areas that may crust and bleed.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (16% of skin cancers): This can be easily treated if found early. Look for red or pink, scaly bumps, on your face, hands and ears.
- Malignant melanoma (4% of skin cancers): This is the most serious type of skin cancer. It can be treated successfully if caught early but has the potential to be fatal. It usually begins as a dark brown or black flat spot with irregular borders that later can change shape or color. Malignant melanomas may also grow from a benign mole.
What you can do
Clothing and hats are effective as basic protection against sun damage of any kind. Light-colored garments reflect the rays rather than absorbing the energy, so they keep you cooler. It’s also wise to watch the clock when it comes to sun exposure. Peak sunlight hours are from 10 am to 3 pm, so try to limit your exposure during those hours.
Sunscreen products are very effective as long as you apply them correctly. In general, most people apply less than half the amount of sunscreen that is needed for good protection and often miss the ears and the neck, both front and back.
The best way to apply sunscreen is to work down. Begin with the face, ears, neck, arms and hands, then the chest, abdomen, thighs, legs, feet, and then let someone else get your shoulders and back well covered. Also, reapply sunscreen every one and a half to two hours if you go swimming.
It also makes sense to know what type of sunscreen is right for you. Although sunscreens come in SPF (sun protection factors) as low as 2, choose at least an SPF 30 if you truly want to protect yourself from cancer-causing ultraviolet rays.