Keeping Safe From the Sun This Summer
In just a few days, summer is officially here.
According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the country.
And while the summer season means more time outdoors… practicing safe skin care all year round is a must to avoid the deadly disease.
With warm temps and sunny skies, hibernation is over but before you soak up those rays, keep in mind: you’re dealing with a powerful force.
“Especially young people sometimes don’t appreciate the fact that it’s cumulative exposure over their lifetime so when you’re in your teens and your early 20s you don’t really see many of the effects except for burns or tans,” said Dr. Michael Blakinship, Essentia Health Dermatologist.
And while a painful burn does up your chances for developing melanoma, all types of ultra violet rays can cause damage…including UVA rays, which are present all year round.
“They don’t tan us or burn us very efficiently but they’re very important for aging and skin cancer risks and they come right through clouds and most glass,” said Blankinship.
While many dermatologists recommend wearing at least SPF 30, Blankinship says many people fail to put on enough sunscreen. “For day to day use I recommend a 30, if you know you’re going to be in the sun for a prolonged period of time I recommend a 50 or higher.”
Sun Protective clothing is also an option which blocks virtually all ultraviolet rays. But regardless, Blankinship recommends everyone complete a monthly skin exam. “If something is changing rapid enough that you can notice it month to month I do recommend monthly self–skin exams that’s something that should be checked out.”
Blankinship encourages people to use a simple mnemonic device when doing a self skin exam, the ABCDE’s.
This stands for asymmetry, irregular borders, irregular colors, diameter greater than six millimeters and an evolving shape or color.
These are all signs of melanoma and if you notice any of these changes with your moles, you are encouraged to consult your health care provider.
