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Guard against the sun, 24/7 It is important to find skin cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Even melanoma can be relatively easy to treat when it is found early, but it can be deadly if found too late. We tend to take our skin for granted until it becomes problematic – wrinkled, spotted or, worst of all, diseased. It’s crucial to be proactive with your skin in order to maintain its beauty and health, particularly in sunny Southern California These important guidelines should help you keep your skin in the best condition possible throughout your life. Sunscreen The consistent use of sunscreen is one of the most important things you can do to protect your skin. Select a product that protects against both ultraviolet (UV) A and B, because both light spectrums can induce sun damage. You also want a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, although higher SPFs offer even more protection, and a little added protection can mean a lot over the course of a lifetime. Sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are especially beneficial and are also less likely to cause rashes in those with sensitive skin. If your skin is prone to acne, look for a sunscreen that is oil-free and “non-comedogenic” (meaning that the product doesn’t clog the pores). Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outside, or into a pool or waterway, to allow it to be absorbed by the skin. In general, people do not use enough sunscreen, and this is especially true with sprays. Be sure to reapply sunscreen throughout the day (every four hours or more often), especially if you are in the water or are sweating profusely. Protective clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also important. A white T-shirt provides an SPF of only 5. Darker clothing offers more protection, and even better are sun-protective clothes that can be purchased from Internet sites or local stores. Many medications, including antibiotics, birth-control pills and heart medications can make you more sensitive to the sun. When taking these medications, be extra careful to protect yourself. Kids and sun Protect that tender, young skin! Any sunburns, especially those from childhood years, are thought to increase the risk of skin cancer in adulthood, decades later. As such, it is very important for children to practice good sun-protective practices. Further, individuals who learn the importance of sun protection at a young age may be more likely to continue these habits throughout their lives. Children younger than 6 months of age should be kept in the shade whenever possible. Older children should wear hats, waterproof sunscreen and sun-protective clothing. It is uncommon to see skin cancer in teens, but it is possible if they were unprotected throughout their childhoods. Sun damage Ideally, a lifetime of sun protection will help avoid skin cancers and sun damage. Though skin cancer is not common in women of childbearing years, it is sometimes seen in those who have failed to protect their skin or who are genetically prone to skin cancers. There are three types of skin cancer. Basal cell skin cancer manifests as red, pearly bumps or red, scaly areas that may bleed easily, while squamous cell carcinomas show up as bumps or sores that do not go away. Melanoma is the skin cancer of greatest concern. It usually presents as a mole that is irregular in shape or color, or is changing. • Everyone should perform a monthly skin self-examination. Women can do a skin check at the same time as their monthly breast self-exam. Check for new or changing skin lesions and moles that are black, have multiple colors, are irregularly shaped or are bleeding. Moles that don’t look like the other moles on your body may also be a problem. • If you notice anything peculiar or have any questions regarding your skin’s health, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. It is important to find skin cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Even melanoma can be relatively easy to treat when it is found early, but it can be deadly if found too late. • Other signs of sun damage include wrinkles, brown spots and rough, scaly bumps. Dermatologists have a wide range of tools to treat or lessen sun damage, including topical medications, chemical peels and laser treatments. Some of these treatments may minimize the risk of skin cancer by getting rid of precancerous lesions. Others may improve skin appearance and texture. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of any proposed treatment options with your dermatologist. If you have any questions about your skin, and especially if you detect lesions or moles that are irregular or changing, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible. Keeping your skin healthy will help you look and feel young.m Dr. Kristin Kelly is a dermatologist with UCI Medical Center, Orange County’s only university hospital, and practices at UCI’s Gottschalk Medical Plaza in Irvine. She may be reached at 949.824.8600 or toll-free at 877.UCI.DOCS. |
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