Sunshine! Water Ice! Picnics! A jammed Highway 42 and THE SHORE! It’s that time of year again, but with all the sunshine and warmth headed our way, it is important to remember that unprotected fun in the sun means damage caused by ultra violet (UV) rays. Without protection, UV rays can cause DNA damage to important cells within your skin such as pigment-producing melanocytes. When these cells accumulate too much DNA damage they can cause melanoma, one of the most serious types of skin cancer.
Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults ages 25-29, and the second most common among those aged 15-29. Melanoma can be fatal if left unrecognized and untreated. Risk factors for developing melanoma include fair skin, excessive sun exposure, blistering sunburns, many moles on your skin and a family history of melanoma.
You can still have fun in the sun if you protect yourself from UV rays by following these simple guidelines:
- Wear sunscreen that is SPF 30 or greater with “broad spectrum” on the label indicating that it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. This is not limited to days at the beach, but includes jogging, barbecues or any activity in the sun.
- Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours with regular sun exposure and every 40 minutes if you are in the water with water-resistant sunscreen.
- Wear sunglasses, hats and protective clothing.
- If possible, avoid midday sun (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
- Tanning beds are never good for you. Tanning before a big trip does not protect you, it only increases your risk for skin cancer.
Regular self-examinations can provide early detection of skin cancer. Look for a spot on your skin with asymmetry (one side does not look like the other), irregular borders, different colors, larger than 6 mm or any changing spot. If you have a spot that is concerning, painful, itching or bleeding, in addition to annual skin examinations, please visit your dermatologist promptly.
More skin safety information can be found at the Cooper University Health Care Division of Dermatology.