Sun Exposure

How to Protect Yourself from Sun Exposure

In July the Tennessee Valley can experience extremely high temperatures.

We’d like to remind everyone that with these high temperatures comes an increase in ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from the sun. Excessive, unprotected exposure to the sun can lead to damaged connective tissue and an increased risk for developing skin cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention says that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Here are some key steps you can take to protect yourself:

Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun when possible.

Wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15.

  • SPF, or “sun protection factor,” refers to how long a person will be protected from a burn. (SPF 15 means a person can stay in the sun 15 times longer before burning.) SPF refers only to UVB protection. (There are different types of ultraviolet light. Both UVA and UVB play important roles in premature aging of the skin, eye damage and skin cancers.)
  • To protect against UVA, look for products containing mexoryl, parsol 1789, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone.
  • Sunscreen performance is affected by wind, humidity, perspiration and proper application.
  • Throw away sunscreens after one to two years. (They lose potency.)
  • Apply liberally (a minimum of 1 oz.) at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.
  • Apply to ears, scalp, lips, neck, tops of feet and backs of hands.
  • Reapply at least every two hours and each time you get out of the water or perspire heavily.
  • Some sunscreens may lose their effectiveness when applied with insect repellents. If using a repellant, you may need to reapply sunscreen more often.

Wear clothing with a tight weave or high-SPF clothing.

Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection and side panels.

Take breaks in shaded areas.

Skin cancer symptoms
Skin cancer is usually a curable disease – but only if caught early. Knowing what skin cancer looks like can help you decide when to seek medical attention. Here are some warning signs:

  • Irregular borders on moles (ragged, notched or blurred edges)
  • Moles that are asymmetrical (not symmetrical) – meaning one half of the mole doesn’t match the other half
  • Colors that are not uniform throughout
  • Moles with a diameter that is bigger than a pencil eraser
  • Sores that bleed and do not heal
  • Itchy or painful moles
  • Red patches or lumps
  • New moles

Types of skin cancer

There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. Here are descriptions of each type:

BASAL CELL

  • A small raised bump that looks smooth, shiny and translucent
  • A small, pink, crater-like growth with a raised, rolled border and an indentation in the center
  • A scar-like area that is white, yellow or waxy
  • Reddish, irritated patches of skin
  • A sore that does not heal
  • Can usually be removed by excision or topical treatments
  • If diagnosed and treated early, basal cell cancers can be cured.

SQUAMOUS CELL

  • Crusty, warty appearance
  • A raised growth with a depression in the center
  • Scaly, red patchy area
  • A sore that does not heal
  • Can usually be removed by excision or topical treatments
  • If diagnosed and treated early, squamous cell cancers can be cured.

MELANOMA

  • Changes in the size, shape or color of moles
  • Dark mole-like appearance
  • Flat or slightly elevated discolored patch (tan, brown, red, black, blue or white)
  • Changes on the skin to watch for: a new spot developing or a change in size, color or shape of an existing spot or mole

Important: Malignant melanoma carries significant – even fatal – implications. The incidence of melanoma has been steadily rising, affecting people of all ages.

Very special thanks to Linda Borders for sharing this information with us!