NEPA Vital Signs - Summer Fall 2019 - 12

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t is that time of year when the temperature starts to rise, the sun is shining, and
we all want to get outside and soak up
the sun to forget about the long, cold winter. It is the time of year that is perfect for
walking/running and many other outdoor
sports to participate in or spectate. It is
also the season when we are most likely
to forget about sun protection and end up
with a sunburn. It is these high intensity sun
exposures and sunburns that significantly
increase our risk of getting skin cancer. Skin
cancer is the most common cancer in the
United States and studies show that 1 out of
every 5 Americans will develop skin cancer
at some point in their lifetime. Anyone can
get skin cancer, regardless of skin color.

also look for water resistant sunscreen that
is SPF 30 or higher. Approximately 1 ounce
of sunscreen (the amount that would fill
a shot glass) is considered to be enough
to cover the exposed areas of your body.
There are 2 classes of sunscreens: physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen.
Physical sunscreen deflects the sun's rays
by sitting on the surface of the skin like
a shield. These sunscreen ingredients are
zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and are
good for children and those with sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens absorb
the sun's rays like a sponge. They contain
ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate,
and octinoxate.

The best way to know if you have skin
cancer is to examine yourself. The AAD
recommends everyone check their skin
regularly, from your scalp to the bottom
of your feet, for new or suspicious spots.
For hard to see areas, use a mirror or ask
a spouse, friend or family member. When
spotted early and treated properly, skin
cancer, including melanoma, has a very high
cure rate. Skin cancer warning signs include
changes in size, shape or color of a mole or
other skin lesion, the appearance of a new
growth on the skin, or a sore that doesn't
heal. (See Figure 1.) If you notice anything
on your skin that looks suspicious, or a spot
that is changing, itching, or bleeding, call a
dermatologist. Or if you prefer, you can call

The American Academy of Dermatology
(AAD) offers these quick tips to decrease
your risk of developing skin cancer:
* Seek shade between 10 AM and 2 PM
* Wear protective clothing such as longsleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed
hat and sunglasses
* Generously apply sunscreen to all
exposed skin areas
* Use extra protection near water, sand,
and snow due to reflection
* Avoid tanning beds, as they too can cause
skin cancer and wrinkling of the skin
* If you want to look tan, use a self-tanning product, but don't forget to
still use sunscreen
When looking for sunscreen, there are
many options on the shelf so there are a
few important rules to follow. Look for
a broad-spectrum sunscreen, meaning
it protects you from both Ultraviolet A
(UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, both
of which can cause skin cancer. You should Figure 1: https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/cancer/skin-cancer-signs/
N E PA

VITAL SIGNS

http://www.lackmedsoc.org http://www.LUZERNEMEDSOC.ORG https://www.universityhealthnews.com/daily/cancer/skin-cancer-signs/

NEPA Vital Signs - Summer Fall 2019

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