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Getting Ready For Summer

Summer Skin Health

Many people, especially teenagers, still associate a tan with health and beauty. However, repeatedly exposing your skin to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to prematurely aged, leathered, coarsened skin, wrinkles, and can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

In general for most people getting outdoors and doing healthy active things is good. In almost every instance, it’s possible for most people to limit sun exposure to safe levels.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most serious long-term consequence of summer sun exposure. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer and melanoma. The first two types are the most common but are not usually as life-threatening as melanoma.

People most at risk of skin cancer are those who have had severe frequent sunburns in the past; those prone to burn rather than tan; fair-haired, light eyed, fair skinned and those with freckled skins.

Examine your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer and contact your doctor if you notice any changes in moles or skin lesions. As cancers can develop in places that you cannot see, like your back or even between your buttocks, it’s a great idea to have a relative or friend perform a ‘spot check’ on you at least once a year. No part of your skin is immune from cancer. Digital cameras are great for recording moles and other skin lesions so that you can recognize changes over time.

Know the ABCDEs of malignant melanoma and see your doctor if you notice:

You should also see your doctor if there has been any accelerated or unusual growth in an existing skin mole, freckle or lesion or if something new appears that looks unusual; any lesion that bleeds or is painful.

 

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