The Trumpet Medical Advisor

Patricia Naeder, RN, BS.

Pat Naeder

June, 2011 Edition ew3

~ ~ ~ SUMMER  SKIN  TIPS ~ ~ ~

The sun is out. Here are some summer sun tips and updates to prevent skin cancer.

Consumer Reports has rated the most effective Sunscreens against the sun’s rays and how they hold up to water.

1-    Up and Up Sport SPF30.

2-    No-Ad with Aloe & Vitamin E SPF 45.

3-    Equate Baby SPF 50.

4-    Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF 30.

5-    Coppertone Sport Ultra Sweat-proof SPF 30

6-    CVS Fast Cover Sport SPF 30.

7-    Walgreens Sport SPF 50.

8-    Ocean Potion Kids Instant Dry Mist SPF 50.

9-    Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF 100.

TIPS:

1-    Remember to re-apply sunscreen about every 2 hours and after swimming.

2-    Wear sun protective clothing. Skin is fragile and the sun is stronger than you think. The new sun protective clothing is effective.

3-    The biggest cause and trigger for skin cancer is bombarding your skin with sun! Get the least exposure for a light tan and then either get out of the sun or protect yourself.

4-    There are other skin cancers that are not triggered by the sun. Some are caused by radiation or genetics. Fair skinned, and light eyed people are at higher risk as are those with a family history of skin cancer.

5-    Limit your time in the sun. The UVB rays cause sunburn and the UVA rays cause aging and tanning. Together they cause cumulative damage and can directly cause skin cancer.

6-    Living at a high altitude and living in a sunshine location increase the chances of a skin cancer occurrence. Take precautions.

7-    See your Dermatologist for full body checkups annually or if you see something out of the ordinary. Don’t be afraid. Most are benign.

8-    Some skin cancers can be treated with creams that disrupt the cell formations. Some can be excised surgically. Some can be frozen off with liquid nitrogen.

9-    If you’re afraid of the diagnosis, think of it this way. Which is easier to treat? A grain of sugar size or a pea size lesion? See your Dermatologist early.

10- All scaly rashes like skin lesions need to be checked.

FACTS:

-       Did you know that many skin cancers occur on the left cheek or the left arm because of the sun exposure during driving? Bring sunscreen in the car.

-        Many who work out in the sun get skin cancer on the top of the ear. That’s significant. Protect yourself.

-       Do not underestimate the triggering damage that the sun’s rays can do to your skin.

-       40 to 50 % of people who live to be 65 will get at least one of the skin cancers. Melanoma, the more serious type, happens in even younger people.

-       Most skin cancers can be cured if found and treated early.

-       If you find a spot and it doesn’t go away or if an existing spot changes size or color, see your Dermatologist right away.

Types of skin lesions and cancer:

1-    Actinic keratosis is caused by the sun. If caught early it won’t progress.

2-    Squamous cell is the second most common skin cancer.

3-    Moles need to be checked if they are new or if they change shape and or color.

4-    Basal Cell is the most common skin cancer.  It is slow growing and easier to treat. It appears in many formations such as pearly, scaly, can have blood vessels or can be tan or brown colored. Only your Dermatologist can make the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Your eyes, the sun and Cataracts:

1-    When the sun’s rays hit the lens in your eye, which is clear like a glass of water, it takes in the rays which causes damaging oxidation to occur. This can initiate the formation of cataracts. A common problem. Devastating later in life.

2-    Wear sunglasses all the time in the sun. Protect your eyes.

Dr. David Leffell of Yale Cancer Center states the following:

1-    The most damaging strong sun is between 10AM and 4PM.

2-    Wear a hat. The majority of skin cancers occur on the head and neck.

3-    Basal cell and Squamous cell skin cancer of people in their 20s and 30s is on the rise! Surfers and those who lay out in the sun must be aware of this fact.

4-    Genetic damage by the sun’s ultraviolet rays are cumulative, so start young with sun protection, especially in children. It will pay off.

5-    Look on the lotion bottles for protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

6-    UVB rays cause skin cancer. UVA rays can cause some skin cancers but damage the dermis and cause the wrinkles of aging.

Another hot weather problem is Dehydration:

1-    Dehydration occurs rather quickly in the hot weather. By the time you’re thirsty you are already dehydrated. You can get a fever and your kidneys have to work overtime to keep you hydrated. So drink your water.

2-    Do not over exercise in the hot weather. It can be very damaging. It stresses all of your organs and can cause a sudden seizure and brain damage at its worst.

3-    Keep your body as close to normal temperature as possible all the time. If you’re hot, go in the pool or have a drink with ice in it. Aim for normal body temperature.

Knowledge is power. Enjoy the outdoors but remember to protect your skin and eyes.

Have a Happy and Healthy June!

Good Health to You!

Patricia Naeder, RN, BS

Medical Advisor