Skin Protection Tips

 

How to Protect People From Getting Skin Cancer

Here are the basic strategies to shield children and adults from excessive sun exposure:

Reduce sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. This is especially important from mid-spring through mid-fall.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat with at least a four-inch brim that produces a shadow that covers the face and neck. A bandana covering the neck can also help.

Wear tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of the body as possible.

When feasible, stay under shade (trees, physical structures), especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wear sunglasses that include a warranty stating they provide 100 percent UVA and UVB (broad-spectrum) protection.

Liberally apply sunscreen to exposed skin 15 minutes before venturing outdoors. The sunscreen container should specify a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 30 or above and should state that it provides broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection. Lotion- or cream-based sunscreens tend to adhere to the skin longer thus providing better  protection.

PABA-free sunscreens are recommended for persons with sensitive skin. Susceptible individuals may also want to avoid oxybenzone and dioxbenzone (check the label). To test if a given sunscreen will cause an allergic reaction, apply it on a small patch of skin on the underside of the forearm and monitor the skin's response for 24 hours. To reduce development of wrinkles and skin aging, look for sunscreens that contain either zinc oxide (z-cote) or Parsol 1789 (avobenzone). The July 2007 issue of Consumer Reports rates a number of sunscreen products.

Depending on outdoor conditions, sunscreen should be re-applied at least every two hours. Caution: Don't depend on sunscreens alone to protect children and adults from skin cancer. Instead, rely as much as possible on a combination of the guidelines previously listed.

Please note that the SPF number on the sunscreen tube indicates how many times longer--under ideal conditions--a person can stay out in the sun without beginning to turn red in comparison with the amount of time totally unprotected skin would start to burn. Research indicates these numbers are sometimes overstated.

Self Skin Examination

Whether or not an individual practices the previously stated skin cancer prevention methods, it is wise to perform a self skin examination using a hand mirror at least once every one to three months and to seek an annual medical examination. The possible first signs of developing skin cancer can often be self-observed according to the characteristics described elsewhere  regarding moles and growths. See your doctor if you suspect any problems.

Treating Skin Cancer

Finally, the good news is that most skin cancer can be successfully treated if detected in its earlier phases. About 90 percent of skin cancers are treated with surgery. Other solutions include radiation therapy, electrodesiccation (tissue destruction by heat), cryosurgery (tissue destruction by freezing), laser treatment, and drug therapy, etc. Of course the best treatment, as always, is PREVENTION.