The Sun and Your Skin
Skin cancer is an ever-increasing problem for people here in the U.S. It is estimated that 1.3 million Americans will develop some form of skin cancer each year. Also, it is estimated that there were 9,600 deaths last year, 7,700 just from melanoma (which is the most serious form of skin cancer), and 1,900 from all other skin cancers. (American Cancer Society, ACS) Before the age of 18, eighty percent of a person’s lifetime sun damage has already occurred. Everyone has heard the saying, “a tan makes a person look healthier,” this is not the case. Having a tan means that damage has already occurred to the skin and the skin is trying to protect itself by creating a darker pigment to fight off the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Who Is At Risk?
There are many different factors that can lead to skin cancer. Again it is important to know your skin type. The most common reason that people develop a form of skin cancer is due to frequent and/or substantial history of sun exposure. Some common physical characteristics of people who are at a higher risk have fair skin, light or red hair, and blue, green, or gray eyes. Also, people who spend long hours of leisure time in the sun and the people whose job requires long hours outdoors are at a greater risk. Individuals who are dark skinned are less likely to develop skin cancer.
|
Skin Types |
Sun History |
Example |
|
I |
Always burns easily, never tans, extremely sensitive skin |
Re-headed, freckles, Irish/Scots/Welsh |
|
II |
Always burns easily, tans minimally, very sun sensitive skin |
Fair-skinned, fair-haired, blue-eyed, Caucasians |
|
III |
Sometimes burns, tans gradually to light brown, sun sensitive skin |
Average Skin |
|
IV |
Burns minimally, always tans to moderate brown, minimally sun sensitive |
Mediterranean-type Caucasians |
|
V |
Rarely burns, tans well, sun insensitive skin |
Middle Eastern, some Hispanics, some African Americans |
|
VI |
Never burns, deeply Pigmented, sun insensitive skin |
African-Americans |
Sun Safety Tips
The sun provides us with many pleasures, but the sun can also cause problems in our lives. More than 90% of all skin cancers are the result of exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. No one is saying that you can not go out and enjoy the sun because you can, but it is important to protect yourself. So, here are some ways you can protect yourself and your family.
●Do not sunbathe.
●Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the peak hours for harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
●Use sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher when outdoors and apply frequently.
●Wear protective clothing such as long pants, long sleeved shirts, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat.
●Stay away from artificial tanning devices.
●Teach your children good sun protection habits at an early age because the damage that leads to adult skin
cancers starts in childhood.
●Examine your skin head to toe at least once every three months.
These sun safety tips came from The Skin Cancer Foundation website.