Sunburn is no laughing matter and in later years can be downright life-threatening if it results in skin cancer.
Dr. Amy S. Ross, a board-certified dermatologist, said from childhood and teenage years, into later life, people should take precautions against the sun's dangerous ultraviolet rays. People still can enjoy themselves outdoors, as long as they take simple precautions to protect their skin.
Children and young adults who find themselves with bad sunburn have a much greater chance of contracting some form of skin cancer later in life, including the most dangerous variety of life-threatening tumors, melanomas, Ross warns.
When on the beach, people should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and apply it often, especially when coming out of the water, she said. It's always good to wear a hat and sunglasses with a UV filter.
There are a million good reasons to heed experts' warnings about taking simple precautions when going out in the sun. More than one million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S this year. One out of five people will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime and it is estimated each hour one person dies of the most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma.
Ross, a Clearwater native treating patients at her Palm Harbor Dermatology, Cancer and Laser Surgery Center, 4197 Woodlands Parkway, said many people don't realize they should protect themselves when working or playing outdoors. Sun protection should be incorporated into everyone's daily routine, not just when going to the beach, she advises.
She sees many forms of the most common form of skin cancer occurring on the ear lobes or nose, because people don't think of protecting those areas. Basal cell skin cancers, the most common and easiest to treat form of skin cancer, accounts for an estimated 80 percent of the cases; occurring on the face, scalp neck, chest, hands, back and legs. Many men who shave their heads forget to protect their scalp, she noted.
Another form of cancer caused by dangerous ultraviolet rays of the sun is squamous cell carcinoma. It accounts for roughly 16 percent of cases each year and is also seen inside the mouth, on the lips or genital area.
Only about 4 percent of skin caners are melanomas. Because of its ability to spread throughout the body, however, it can be the most deadly. If caught early and removed, however, melanoma can be cured in about 95 percent of the cases.
Melanomas are most commonly found on the back, buttocks, legs, scalp, neck and behind the ears.
Regular monthly self-examination, from head to toe, can catch potential problems in the early stages, Ross said. Watch for changes in the skin and moles. Experts believe people with relatives who suffered from some form of skin cancer are more prone to developing it themselves.
Simple precautions when going out in the sun - these include wearing a hat and seeking shade when the sun is strongest, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - can help prevent skin problems, Ross said. The doctor said she uses a sunscreen with moisturizer each day, even if it is only to go to work.
A sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 30 or higher is recommended. If outside, people should reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days. Clouds do not block the most damage forms of UV light.
Source: http://suncoastpasco.tbo.com