As the summer begins, so does trips to the beach, barbecues and fun outdoors. It is during these fun-filled activities we need to remember to protect the largest organ of our body: the skin. The first step on preventing skin cancer is knowing the key components of protection and detection.
Proper sun protection starts with understanding how the sun affects our skin. The sun releases invisible rays called UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC is the most dangerous ultraviolet ray, however it is stopped in our atmosphere and has no effect on our skin. UVB and UVA are responsible for causing skin cancer and photo aging. Photo aging is why we look older. The more sun we get, the more wrinkles and dark spots are likely to develop on our sun-exposed skin. Limiting exposure to these harmful rays is integral in preventing skin cancer and photo aging, and is properly achieved through sun protection and avoidance.
Sun avoidance is easier said than done. In order to avoid the sun when it is at its strongest, we should stay in sun-protected areas between 10 and 2 p.m. This means seeking shade indoors/outdoors or under an umbrella during these peak UV hours. Wearing long sleeves, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses also gives our skin great protection from the sun. As for sun block goes, it is not what brand you purchase; it’s what is in the sun block that matters. A broad spectrum sun block is recommended. This can be achieved by chemical or mineral ingredients. Chemical ingredients include oxybenzone and avobenzone, and mineral ingredients include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Most often, I recommend sun blocks between 30-50 SPF that contain zinc and titanium. SPF 30-50 protects your skin from 97-98% of the sun’s rays, and anything greater is insignificant. Applying these types of sun block 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplying every two hours properly protects your skin from the sun. Remembering to reapply soon after sweating or swimming is also very important to proper sun protection.
Now that you are more familiar on how to protect yourself from the sun, it is equally as important to become familiar with skin cancer detection. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, has the highest mortality rate. Melanoma is easily detected by monthly self-mole checks and once to twice yearly skin exams. At home, you want to look out for any mole that changes in size, shape or color. If you do notice any changing moles, it is important to be evaluated by your dermatologist as soon as possible. If Melanoma is detected early, it is highly curable, however if missed, it can be life threatening. Other common skin cancers, which are usually non-life threatening, include Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. These two types can present as new bumps on the skin which fail to heal over a four-week period. If you notice a crusty, tender growth or a bleeding bump that enlarges or fails to heal in four weeks, contact your dermatologist immediately.
Now that you are doing everything you can to protect yourself, you are ready to enjoy the summer with ease! Please keep these important details of skin cancer prevention and detection in mind. If you have any questions in regards to skin health, don’t hesitate to contact your dermatologist.
Joseph Colletti PA-Chas been a board certified physician assistant since 2013, and has been practicing at Connolly Dermatology since 2014. Joseph is now accepting new patients in the Cape May Court House office. Call (609) 463-9933 today to schedule your skin cancer screening. For more information, visit www.connollyskincare.com.
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