26
Sep 2011

Check Your Skin

By

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.

pp p

p

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.

pp 

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.

 pp

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

 pp

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

 p

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

Categories: Medical Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
19
Sep 2011

The FDA’s New Sunscreen Guidelines

By

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.

p
“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.

p
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.

ppp

Categories: Medical Tags: , , , ,