Summer Health: Sun Smarts

Eager to spend another summer out by the pool? Planning a family vacation to the beach? Before you and your family make any plans to worship the sun this summer, make sure you and those you love are being smart about sun protection. According to the American Cancer Society, more than one million people in the United States will be diagnosed with skin cancer, the most common of all cancers, this year. More than 90 percent of these cases are a result of exposure to the sun’s UV rays.

“Skin cancer, to a degree, is highly preventable,” said Deborah Baldemor, M.D., a family practitioner with Cigna Medical Group. “Limiting exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses and applying sunscreen regularly all greatly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.”

Those with fair skin, hair and complexions are at a higher risk than others to developing skin cancer. Skin cancer may also be genetic or the product of atypical moles. The American Cancer Society advises everyone to perform regular self-administered check-ups on their own skin and to be aware of the following signs that a mole or birthmark may be cancerous:

• Asymmetry – common moles are round and symmetrical
• Border – skin cancers often have an uneven border
• Color – skin cancers may be varied shades of brown, tan, black, red, white or blue
• Diameter – moles larger than a pencil eraser should always be checked by a physician

“Other warning signs of skin cancer include sores that won’t heal, new skin growths, moles that have begun to itch, bleed or ooze, and moles that feel scaly or tender,” said Dr. Baldemor.

Sun worshippers should also know that multiple sunburns increase a person’s risk for developing skin cancer. According to Dr. Baldemor, when skin tans, it is merely trying to shield itself from the sun’s deadly UV rays. If the skin burns, these UV rays have penetrated and damaged multiple layers of skin. Should you suffer from a sunburn this summer, Dr. Baldemor recommends the following treatments to relieve the pain and inflammation:

• Take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as aspirin
• Apply cool compresses as needed
• Drink fluids to help re-hydrate your skin
• Avoid sun exposure for one to two weeks
• Avoid home remedies such as butter or heavy ointments as they may cause irritation

“In addition to the health risk associated with the sun’s UV rays, overexposure to the sun also causes skin to lose elasticity, which speeds up the aging process and creates wrinkles,” said Dr. Baldemor. “Practicing sun safety can save your life and your looks.”

For more information about protecting yourself from skin cancer, visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org.