You may ask yourself, what is the big deal, what is the issue with sunburn? Sure, a sunburn is uncomfortable and it does not look great, but both of those problems go away fairly quickly. Why is the media so interested in the topic of sunburns?
If you have not already heard, sunburn is leading cause of skin cancer. In fact, over ninety percent of all skin cancers are on body parts that receive the most sun exposure – the face, the arms, the ears, and the hands.1
The bottom line? You must protect yourself and your family from damaging UV rays. This includes UV rays from the sun and from tanning beds.
See Your Dermatologist
When you notice abnormalities on your skin it is time to see your dermatologist. Look for raised moles that are not asymmetrical or that have ragged edges or blurred edges. Does the patch of skin have an odd color or tone? Beware of patches that have a mottled appearance – change from one color to another.
The patch of skin, whether it is mole or a skin growth, has a greater risk of being malignant as the diameter increases. In general, 6 mm is the standard of measure.2 Plus, if you see a mole developing or growing it is time to see your dermatologist. Finally, be aware of changes in symptoms such as itching, tenderness, size, and other physical factors of the patch of skin.3
A research study conducted at Emory University found that of 2,000 melanoma patients dermatologists were more likely than other types of doctors to diagnose early stage cancer.3
Keep an Eye on Those Basal Cells
You are told over and over that basal cell carcinoma is not the ‘bad’ skin cancer. This leads people to not worry about it and even ignore treatment options. However, some basal cell carcinoma growths can be resistant to treatment and multiply at an impressive rate. They can attach to cartilage and bone and result in a disfigured face in some cases.4
Do You Need a Botox Appointment?
When you notice a skin growth or mole it is important to be seen by a dermatologist as soon as possible. This normally equates to a few days from the discovery of the growth. The sooner you can get be examined by a doctor, the better. Though most skin cancers grow slowly, there are exceptions.
Many times it takes a while to get a doctor’s appointment because dermatologists are so busy. To lessen your wait time when trying to make a doctor’s appointment, speak to the receptionist and let her know why you are making the appointment. Most offices will do everything possible to get you in quickly. You can also get your primary physician to call and ask for your appointment to be pushed up.5
Sun Protection Factor
Why is SPF not listed as the number one way to combat sunburn? You need to know that SPF is not the entire answer to protecting your skin.
Sunscreens are required to include a UVB rating on their packaging. This lets you know how well the sunscreen will block the most dangerous UVB rays while you are exposed. On the other side of the spectrum, there is not a rating system for UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can also result in skin cancer.
Just Say No to Tanning Beds
It is time to take a stand against tanning beds. They are dangerous. The UV rays emitted during each session can penetrate into your skin and result in dangerous skin changes on the cellular level. Individuals who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma. They are 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.6
The best advice for anyone who uses a tanning bed is to stop immediately. The numbers are big: fifteen percent of women in their forties and ten percent of women in their fifties and early sixties tan indoors.7 Just say no. However, keep an eye out for irregular growths. If you were an indoor tanner before the age of thirty-five you increase your chances of melanoma.
What to Look For
The problem for many people is that they can be burned for several hours before they even know it. Full blown sunburn may not develop for several hours after sun exposure.
Typical sunburn symptoms include red, burning skin, blisters, and sensitivity to touch.8 Severe sun exposure can result in sun poisoning and the onset of chills, nausea, and a fever. Sunburns last for a few days and then the skin that is burned will begin to peel away.
Infants and people with fair skin are more susceptible to damaging sunburn. The sun’s most harmful rays are emitted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.9 although sunscreen does not offer complete protection; you should apply it generously whenever you are out in the sun. In addition, wear protective clothing to keep the sun off your face, arms, and legs.
What is the issue with sunburn? It is very dangerous and can lead to skin cancer. It is imperative to complete self checks for any abnormalities and see a dermatologist as soon as possible if something arises. Above all, take all necessary measures to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays
References
1 Cell Biology and Cancer. (2011). National Institutes of Health – National Cancer Institute. Retrieved from: science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih1/cancer/activities/activity5_database4.htm
2 Ibid
3 Preventing Skin Cancer. (2011) Cancer Council Australia. Retrieved from: www.cancer.org.au/cancersmartlifestyle/SunSmart/Preventingskincancer.htm
4 Ibid
5 Ibid
6 Ibid
7 Ibid
8 Sunburn. Better Health Channel (2011) Victorian Government Department of Health. Retrieved from: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/sunburn_explained
9 Sunburn. (2011, August 2). National Institutes of Health Medline Plus: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003227.htm
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