The Sun and You

By Barbara Goodearl

Although a tan may look good, Dermatologists know that it’s a sign of skin damage.  Ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the skin and injure the pigment cells.  Through the years the damage becomes more and more severe because your skin “remembers” past episodes of burning.  You’ll be more prone to wrinkles, that “leathery” look, unsightly spots, scaly growths, and skin cancer.

There are several kinds of skin cancer, but let’s concentrate on the three main types:  Basal cell, Squamous cell, and Melanoma.

B = “Best”.  Basal cells are carcinomas which are small, shiny and fleshy on the exposed parts of the body.  They grow slowly and don’t usually spread.  When they are found early and treated there’s a high cure rate.

S = “Serious”.  Squamous cell carcinomas are usually on the face, ears, lips and mouth and appear as a red, scaly patch.  This cancer can spread if untreated and can be fatal.

M = “Most Dangerous”.  Melanoma is a dark brown or black patch with irregular edges.  It can also have shades of red, blue or white in it. If not treated it can metastasize to other parts of the body and prove fatal also.

The following tips can help prevent your becoming a victim of skin cancer:

• Check the UV Index Reports in your area and, no matter what it is, stay out of the sun between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. 
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Try a spray tan or self-tanning lotion instead.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.  The higher the SPF, the better. [An SPF of 15 allows a person to stay out in the sun 15 times longer before they experiencing sunburn.]
• It takes 20-30 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed by the skin, so it should be applied at least a half an hour before going out in the sun.
• Most labels suggest reapplying sunscreen every two-four hours. However, it should also be reapplied after swimming, excessive sweating, or toweling.
• Wear sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats as the sun can cause cataracts and blindness.

Protect your children with all of the above methods too.  Dermatologists stress that children under the age of 6 months should NEVER be in the sun.

It’s never too early to safeguard yourself and your family.

For more information see your doctor or, in Traverse City, contact Dr. Raymond J. Dean, MC at (231)935-0620.