The season for skin damage

Listen up. Summer is here, and we may have a hot, dry, sunny season. Sunburns, skin cancer, malignant melanoma, squamous and basal cell carcinoma: to mention a few nasty problems that can occur from prolonged sun exposure.I know that lovely tan looks nice, but it can also turn into something unpleasant over a period of time. Farmer, ranchers and sun worshipper are most likely to have basal cell carcinoma, as their life is mostly spent out of doors. Have I got your attention yet?OK, let’s look at the cause, effect and prevention, as well as maintain a healthy skin. About all some folks know about skin cancer: The sun is bad; sunscreen is good; watch out for moles.In Colorado, we are at higher elevations with thinner air and more UV (ultra violet) rays penetrating our skin, and this can lead to possible skin cancer. As we shed our winter doldrums and embrace the warm sun, the American Academy of Dermatology is reporting an epidemic-like rise in skin cancer, especially in young people.The Mayo clinic reported that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer, and the risk doubles after five or more sunburns. Skin cancer was always thought a problem for people over 50. Today, we are seeing folks younger than 40 with various types of skin cancer.The June issue of Readers Digest in an article “Burned by the sun” reported some shocking statistics. “One million Americans are diagnosed each year with skin cancer; 800,000 of these are basal cell, and 200,000 are squamous cell and if left untreated can become invasive requiring surgery.” The article also states that another 112,000 new cases of malignant melanoma will be identified this year. This is a 9 percent increase from 2005 and nearly 8,000 will die from it.Types of malignant tumorsThe most common types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma and are usually curable.

MALIGANT MELANOMA: A melanoma may arise from anywhere on the skin, mucous membranes, eye, and left untreated has a high degree for invasion and metastasis. It is a highly malignant tumor that it is fatal within several months. Nearly 50 percent arise from pigmented moles, and they begin to change in size and color. Usually, consultation with the dermatologist occurs because the person noted enlargement or irregular coloration of a lesion on the extremity or face. It may appear as a lesion with raised, inundated edges and may show red, white or blue spots with blue black nodules.Treatment: One should examine their body and their children periodically for skin changes and seek a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment. Malignant Melanoma is not to be fooled with. It can kill you.The Chicago Sun-Times Health Reporter, Jim Ritter, in a May article, quoted the American Academy of Dermatology: (Melanoma) is still rising at an alarming rate. Americans have a one in 60 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, a 2,000 percent increase from 1930.”How to reduce your riskAs summer is approaching, folks should protect their skin from two of the leading causes of cancer: tanning parlors and too much sun.One study found that tanning bed users in Scandinavia had a 55 percent increase in melanoma risks. Another study found that just five sunburns double the risk of skin cancer. A third possible culprit is the thinning of the ozone layer that blocks cancer causing ultraviolet light.What can we do to protect yourself and our children?

1. Generously apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply prior to going out, so it is completely absorbed. Reapply every couple of hours even when cloudy and after swimming.
2. Wear wide brim hats, sunglasses and, when possible, long sleeve shirts and pants.
3. Get your vitamin D from a healthy diet and supplement, NOT from the sun.
4. Avoid tanning beds.
5. Check your birthday suit on your birthday: See your doctor if you notice any changes, growing or bleeding on your skin.
6. Regarding babies and small children who use sun blockers, it is recommended that children over six months may have sun blockers applied, but younger infants should NOT be in the sun at all. These infants are unable to regulate their body temperature. Dress them in loose clothing and a bonnet. The stroller should also have a cover and even with the cover, an additional umbrella or sheet.

We all need to enjoy our summers, but please be careful and smart about it.

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