Dangers of the Summer Sun and How to Stay Safe
Summertime sees a spike in outdoor activities for people young and old alike. While the number of your outside engagements grows during the calendar’s dog days, your risk to sun exposure doesn’t have to.
Unlike other forms of cancers that can be hereditary or due to mutations in your DNA, most skin cancers are entirely preventable. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the number one cause of the most common cancer, skin cancer. Shielding your skin from the sun’s unforgiving ultraviolet radiation is the most effective way to avoid developing cancerous topical cells.
Depending on the UV Index, your skin type and exposure to UVB radiation — the sort of rays that cause sunburn — damage to the integrity of your skin is possible in as little as 10 minutes of harmful sun exposure.
Approximately 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the united states, daily. Melanoma, which if not detected early enough can spread throughout the body rapidly, is the deadliest form of skin cancer and claims the lives of 20 people a day.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common sun-induced skin cancer. It develops primarily around the neck and head. Squamous cell carcinoma, appears on the sun-exposed parts of the body like the ears, lips, back of the hands and face. Both are treatable with early detection and not as lethal as Melanoma.
Here are some helpful prevention tips to help you enjoy the summer sun responsibly:
Paramount to your skin’s health is seeking shade when outdoors. During late-Spring and Summer in North America, direct sunlight is at its most hazardous to your skin between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm. A tree, umbrella, awning or alternative methods of shade are ideal, even if it’s a cloudy day.
Clothing that covers your arms, legs, back, and face are essential in preventing potential-cancer-developing sunburn. When practical, tightly woven, dark-colored long-sleeve shirts and pants are ideal. Wide-brimmed hats and UV blocking sunglasses are great accessories to assist in your skin’s protection.
Applying a broad spectrum with the SPF of at least 15 is crucial to guarding your skin. Consider using an SPF of 30 or higher to filter out 93% to 99% of the sun’s harmful rays. Combined with the methods above, sunscreen serves as your last, but not least, line of defense. Regardless if it’s a cooler or cloudy day, one should apply UV ray blocking sunscreen to all exposed parts of the body.
Reapplication is an equally vital part of the process. You should reapply every two hours if you’ve been sweating, swimming, re-wearing wet articles of clothing or toweling off. Always remember to check the expiration date as well.
Children are especially susceptible to sunburns and lasting effects from sun injuries. While it’s not safe to administer on children under the age of six months — babies should be kept in the shade and covered from head to toe if possible — using sunscreen on children under the age of 18 is very vital. Sun exposure to a child can damage their DNA, and the consequences can include developing skin cancers later on in life.
Other helpful hints include; re-entering direct sunlight after you suffer burns can expedite damage. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds as they’re detrimental to the long-term health of your skin and can eventually lead to a cancer diagnosis. Self-examine your skin monthly for any lesions or new moles. Yearly checkups with your doctor aid in the restriction of damaged cells manifesting into cancers.
The American Academy of Dermatology encourages practicing safe-sun this summer, and by abiding with the tips mentioned above, you’re well on your way to securely enjoying the season.
