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Protect the Skin You’re In

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of the sun on a beautiful summer day or the morning wake-up call as the sun streams through your bedroom window. Research has shown that we need sunlight for both our physical and mental health.

Despite all of its benefits, the sun can have negative effects on our skin. But don’t pack away your swimsuit just yet! There’s no reason not to continue enjoying summer fun in the sun as long as you take a few simple precautions that can help keep you and your family safe.

The Sunny Side

If you’re looking for a reason to spend more time in the sun, we have a few suggestions. Most experts agree, 10 to 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, two to three times a week, will supply you with an adequate amount of vitamin D. (However, if you remain outdoors longer, remember to apply sunscreen.) Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium, necessary for healthy bones, and there is growing evidence that vitamin D helps protect against colorectal cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Another advantage of sun exposure is its mental health benefits. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder associated with depression episodes related to the seasonal variations of light. As the seasons change, our internal biological clock shifts, partially as a result of the changes in sunlight patterns. Treatment for this condition generally includes getting outdoors during the day, even in the winter, and arranging your home or workplace to receive more sunlight.

Here are some important guidelines and information to help you enjoy your time in the sun while protecting yourself from its potential damage.

Know When to Take Cover

As most of us are aware, one of the greatest risks of sun exposure is skin cancer, and it’s all too real for more than a million people who will be diagnosed this year. Unfortunately, the disease, which causes healthy skin cells to become malignant, is on the rise. At current rates, at least 40 to 50 percent of all Americans who live to age 65 will have at least one firsthand experience with skin cancer.

The most common types of skin cancer are basal- and squamous-cell carcinomas, named for the types of cells in which they occur. Both types tend to grow slowly, and they’re relatively easy to treat. Though not as dangerous as another type of skin cancer, melanoma, they shouldn’t be ignored; if left untreated, these cancers can spread to deeper skin tissue and to other parts of the body.

Malignant melanoma is less common, accounting for about five percent of all skin cancers in this country, but is more serious. The incidence of melanoma has increased sharply in recent decades, particularly among women under 40, whose rate of diagnosis has tripled, even though the majority of people diagnosed with melanoma continues to be white men over the age of 50. However, thanks to increased awareness and earlier diagnosis, the survival rate is increasing. As with any type of cancer, the earlier it’s identified and treated, the better the odds are for recovery.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Anyone can develop melanoma, but Caucasians with fair skin, light eyes and blonde or red hair have an increased risk. The amount of exposure to natural sunlight and to artificial ultraviolet light from tanning beds also plays a role. Rates of skin cancer are higher in Southern states than in Northern ones, and prior sunburns increase your chances of developing melanoma in later years.

An Ounce of Prevention

We can’t turn back time, but there’s still plentywe can do to protect ourselves.

• Do a thorough screening— sun screening, that is. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, and make sure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply the sunscreen generously to all exposed parts of the body at least 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or vigorous activity. Don’t forget to use sunblock on your lips, nose and ears.

• Sun escape — Avoid spending time in the sun during the hours that it is the most direct. In most parts of the United States, that’s between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Wear sunglasses with UV protection — The sun’s rays can contribute to serious eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, but if you wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection (check the label), you can provide a “sunblock” for your eyes.

• Know your moles — Most of us have freckles and moles, birthmarks and age spots. Become more familiar with where they are on your body and their size and shape so that you notice changes quickly. Once every month or two, examine yourself for new spots or changes in existing ones. If you notice any new, suspicious looking moles or changes in existing moles, see your doctor right away. As a precaution, have a dermatologist examine you and your family once each year.

When to call your doctor —

Call your physician or dermatologist if you have any of the following problems:

• Dry skin that doesn’t respond to nonprescription treatments

• A severe case of blistering sunburn

• A mild sunburn over a large portionof skin, especially if the pain makes it difficult to sleep or wear clothing

• An abnormal scaly patch, noduleor skin ulcer that does not heal

Enjoy the Sunshine

There’s no reason to let statistics and warnings limit your enjoyment of the things you love to do, as long as you follow a few simple precautions. No matter what anyone says, when the sun is shining, you’re probably going to find a way to go outside and enjoy it! And let’s face it: you don’t really need a reason to spend time in the sun. Sports, swimming, boating, gardening and other outdoor activities are reason enough for most. In the end, as in all things, if you embrace sun exposure in moderation — remember your sunscreen, and take care of yourself — you can enjoy the sun with all of its benefits.

A Treatment You Can Trust

Protecting your skin from the sun is key to lowering your chances of developing skin cancer. However, if you or someone you know has been diagnosed, there are treatments available. The Melanoma Program at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary diagnoses and treatments for individuals who are newly diagnosed with melanoma, have a history of the disease or are at high risk for developing melanoma. They provide a holistic approach to treatment that incorporates medical and emotional care and support for every patient.

For more information, call UConnLink at 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692.