26
Sep 2011

Check Your Skin

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Even if you don’t spend much time in the sun, your skin has likely still suffered damage over the years. Naturally this problem is exacerbated in people who do spend a significant amount of time in the sun, especially if they do not use sunscreen or take other precautions to protect their skin outdoors.

Skin damage is also particularly prevalent in those who use tanning salons. Although many people believe that tanning beds are a healthy alternative to direct sunlight for a beautiful tan, we know with certainty that this is absolutely not the case.

Tanning beds produce UVA and also UVB rays, which can contribute to skin cancer, eye damage, aging changes in the skin, and immune suppression. Consequently, the US Department of Health and Human Services has declared that UV rays from tanning beds are known cancer-causing substances. And additionally, the American Academy of Dermatology opposes indoor tanning.

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The Importance Of Self-Checks
It is important to check yourself regularly for changes in your skin that could represent early signs of skin cancer. Get into the habit of checking your skin on the same day each month, for example. The more you become accustomed to examining your skin, the sooner you are likely to recognize any changes.

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How To Examine Your Skin

  • Check your skin thoroughly each month – do this in a brightly lit room, and in front of a full-length mirror.
  • Examine your entire body surface as best possible, looking for any changes from the last examination.
  • Ask a partner to help you examine difficult-to reach areas, or use a smaller hand mirror in addition.

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What To Do If You See Any New or Changed Skin Lesions
You may find it helpful to make notes each month when you perform your self-examination. Record all changes that you find:

  • Location of lesion
  • Overall appearance of lesions, including size, shape and color

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Some Warning Signs In Particular That Require Attention

  • Any mole that appears to change in size, shape, color, texture or sensation
  • A smooth growth with a raised outer rim
  • A smooth growth with a central dimple
  • Sores that don’t heal adequately
  • Red patches of skin that don’t disappear
  • Yellow or waxy scar-like patches of skin 
  • Sores that ooze fluid, or become blistered or crusty

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What To Do If You See Any New or Changed Skin Lesions
If  you do notice any new moles or any other skin lesions, or if any pre-existing lesions start to change in any way, be sure to alert your physician or dermatologist as soon as possible.

And in addition to getting accustomed to examining your skin every month, be sure to visit your dermatologist annually – regular skin examinations by a specialist could just save your life.

Image Credit Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos

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19
Sep 2011

The FDA’s New Sunscreen Guidelines

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After more than three decades in the works, the FDA’s new regulations on sunscreens have finally been released.

The new rules require that sunscreens are subjected to FDA tests to check that they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Ultraviolet radiation is associated with development of 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers (which affect one in five people in the US), and 65% of melanoma cases (responsible for the death of about 8,700 people annually).

Reading The New Labels

  • Products with SPF values between 2 and 14 can be labeled as “Broad Spectrum” if they pass FDA tests to show that they protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.
  • Products can only state that they reduce the risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer if they are of SPF 15 or above.
  • The FDA feels that there is no such thing as a “waterproof” sunscreen. So the terms “waterproof” and “sweatproof” are no longer allowed. The term “water-resistant” is now used, and products must state if they work for 40 or 80 minutes. If a sunscreen is not water-resistant, it must be labeled in such a way as to advise consumers to use a water-resistant product if necessary.
  • The maximum SPF value on a label will now be “50+” since there’s not yet any proof that SPF values over 50 offer any better protection against sun damage than those with SPF 50.
  • The term “sunblock” is no longer allowed, since products don’t actually block the sun, but deflect it.

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“These changes to sunscreen labels are an important part of helping consumers have the information they need so they can choose the right sun protection for themselves and their families,” reported Janet Woodcock,  director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “All they’re going to need to do is pick an SPF number and then make sure that it’s broad spectrum.”

The new rules go into effect next year and must be on all sunblocks by the summer, but manufacturers can implement them immediately if they so choose – so you’ll find some newly-labeled products on the shelves now.

The Skin Cancer Foundation hopes that the new FDA regulations will make consumers choose sunscreens more wisely, thereby better protecting their skin from sun exposure, and ultimately reducing the rates of skin cancer.

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Some Other Sunscreen Tips
In addition to choosing a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30:

  • Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before heading outdoors
  • Apply it liberally – use at least 2 ounces (enough to fill a shot glass)
  • Reapply every two hours (more frequently if you are swimming, drying off, or sweating)
  • Always check the product expiration date

And don’t forget all the other ways you can protect yourself and reduce your risk of skin cancer.

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06
Sep 2011

8 Simple Ways To Reduce Your Risk Of Skin Cancer

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Although the sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays are responsible for its harmful effects, including skin cancer, there are thankfully plenty of ways for you to take action and protect yourself from excessive sun exposure.

 

 

8 Simple Ways To Reduce Your Risk Of Skin Cancer

  • Stay indoors where possible to avoid unnecessary sun exposure, especially during peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm.
  • If you have to go outside, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends use of broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 (preferably at least 30), even on cloudy days, for adequate protection. The higher the SPF, the greater protection from sunburn, caused mostly by UVB rays. “Broad spectrum” sunscreen products protect against UVA and UVB rays.
  • Wear lip balm of SPF 15 or higher.
  • Seek the shade where possible outdoors, especially between 10 am and 4 pm. (Tip – If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are strongest).
  • When in the sun, wear clothing to protect as much of your skin as possible. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants made of tightly woven fabric are most useful, and dark-colored clothing provides more protection than light-colored items. Avoid fabrics that you can see light through. A wide-brimmed hat is also especially helpful to protect the face, neck, and ears. Special clothes with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) can also guard against sun exposure.
  • Don’t forget eye protection. Ideal sunglasses do not need to be expensive. They simply need to be able to block both UVA and UVB rays. If the label states either “UV absorption up to 400nm” or “meets ANSI UV requirements”, then the glasses block at least 99% of UV rays.
  • Add UV-protective film to the windows of your home and car (this allows in up to 80% of visible light, while blocking 99.9% of UV radiation).
  • Avoid tanning salons. (The American Academy of Dermatology opposes indoor tanning.)

 

So while we should all be able to enjoy the sunshine, it’s equally important to protect our skin from its harmful effects. It’s impossible to completely avoid sunlight (and nor should we want to!), but by following a few simple guidelines, you will be able to work and play outdoors while protecting your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays.

 

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02
Sep 2011

Respect The Sun

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We may be heading into the fall, but temperatures are still soaring in many parts of the country. And outdoor activities are still popular at this time of year in all regions, whether they involve hiking, biking, or barbecuing!

Although we used to think that soaking up the sun could only be good for us, we now know that this isn’t necessarily the case, and the dangers of ultraviolet rays are well known.

The Sun’s Rays:

The sun produces two types of rays that can penetrate the atmosphere and cause health problems associated with sun exposure:

  • Ultraviolet A (UVA) Rays: These comprise about 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the earth’s surface. Although less intense than UVB rays, their prevalence is higher and they can penetrate the skin more deeply. Their intensity is similar during daylight hours at all times of the year, and they can also penetrate glass and clouds. This is the predominant ultraviolet form that is emitted by tanning booths, and these powerful booths can emit up to 12 times the dose of UVA as the sun. Consequently it is not surprising that people using tanning booths are more likely to develop skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
  • Ultraviolet B (UVB) Rays: These represent the main cause of reddening of the skin and sunburn due to sun exposure. The highest amount of UVB is emitted in the US between 10am and 4pm from April to October. It should be remembered, however, that UVB damage is possible all year round, especially in people at high altitudes. Surfaces such as ice or snow can also reflect the UVB rays such that they can hit the skin twice. These rays, however, do not have any significant ability to penetrate through glass.

 

What Are The Effects Of Sun Damage On Our Skin?

Both UVA and UVB can penetrate the atmosphere and contribute to various health problems, in particular:

  • Premature aging of the skin
  • Skin cancers
  • Eye conditions such as cataracts

It should be remembered that sun damage is permanent and cumulative. The short-term effects of excessive, unprotected exposure to UV rays are sunburn and tanning. Long-term exposure causes the skin to age prematurely, leading in particular to wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer.

Skin cancer represents the most common cancer type, with more than 2 million Americans diagnosed with some form of this disease annually – more than lung, prostate, breast, pancreatic, colon, ovarian, and uterine cancers combined. The staggering number of skin cancer cases has also steadily increased over the past 30 years.

UV radiation is now recognized as a carcinogen by both the US Department of Health and Human Services, and the World Health Organization. It is considered the main cause of non-melanoma skin cancers (including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) which affect more than 250,000 Americans each year. It is also believed that UV radiation frequently plays a key role in malignant melanoma formation. This is the most deadly type of skin cancer, killing more than 8,000 Americans annually.

 

The good news, however, is that skin cancer is a largely preventable cancer, since most cases are linked to sun exposure. So as we enter the holiday weekend, and the final week of our official summer, don’t forget to respect your skin and eyes while you enjoy the sunshine outdoors. Take adequate precautions to protect yourself from the sun’s powerful rays.

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