It’s important to protect your skin while the beautiful bright rays of summer shine on this season, and even during overcast days, our WESTMED dermatologists caution. Much of the growing incidence of skin cancer can be prevented, especially if parents practice sun-safe habits themselves and with their children.
In addition to making children hot and uncomfortable, too much unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV radiation can lead to sunburn, eye damage, wrinkles, and skin cancer, including life-threatening melanoma. Research indicates that one serious childhood sunburn could trigger skin cancer in later years.
Tips for Playing It Safe in the Sun
1. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day.
2. Apply sunscreen before going outdoors and reapply often, especially after swimming, perspiring or toweling off.
3. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV protective sunglasses to protect the face and eyes.
4. Do not use tanning beds or sun lamps.
5. You can sunburn even on a cloudy day; always wear sunscreen.
6. Be aware - concrete, sand and water snow reflect 85 to 90 percent of the sun’s UV rays.
7. Try to get your outside activities completed in the early morning or late afternoon as the sun is the strongest between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Skin Cancer is an Equal Opportunity Threat
Most of us are have heard or read news reports that people most at risk for developing skin cancer are fair-skinned individuals with blonde or red hair, light eyes, and generally older populations. However, dermatologists advise that others not fitting this profile are not immune. In fact, some of these physicians are reporting an increased incidence of skin cancer in younger women and people with skin of color. The latter group often faces a bleaker outcome due to delayed diagnosis. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year.
Take the sun-safety precautions. And perform regular skin self-examinations. Ask a partner to assist you by looking at hard-to-reach areas to monitor changes in your skin can improve the early detection of skin cancer. It’s an easy way to detect suspicious moles that could be cancerous. When detected early, most skin cancers can be successfully treated.
WESTMED’s dermatologists are Drs. Erin Walker and Saryna Young at 210 Westchester Avenue. (Phone: (914) 682-6426.) and Dr. Diana Hurwitz at 1 Theall Road. (Phone: (914) 848-8840.)