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Summer's Necessities: Sunscreen and Skin Screenings

Monday, May 23, 2011

By Mary Evers, D.O.

Spring is in full bloom and summer will be here before most of us are ready, which means high temperatures, plenty of sunshine, suntans and sunburns. While being in the sun and enjoying the outdoors is part of many Central Texans’ lives, people need to be conscious of the dangers created by ultraviolet overexposure from the sun.

According to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, more than two million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year—outnumbering all other cancers combined. Of these two million cases of skin cancer, more than 68,000 of these will be melanoma, the most life-threatening form of skin cancer.

May is National Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness Month. In recognition of this, St. David’s Georgetown Hospital will host a free skin cancer screening on Saturday, May 21. This screening will help people identify problem areas and provide education on proper sun protection.

The benefit of a skin cancer screening is the potential to find cancer at an early stage, as many skin cancers can be asymptomatic. The earlier doctors are able to diagnose and treat skin cancer, the better the outcomes. While having a routine, formal screening from a healthcare professional is important (at least once a year is recommended), there are a number of warning signs you can check for at home.

During your self-exam, pay particular attention to sun-exposed areas (scalp, face and hands), as well as the following:

A spot or sore that itches, is painful, crusts or bleeds.
A skin growth that appears translucent or pearly and changes in size or shape.
A mole or birthmark that is irregular, changes in color, increases in size, or is itching, bleeding or tender.

If you see anything suspicious, contact your primary care physician or dermatologist as soon as possible.

In addition to the importance of routine skin checks, it’s equally important to protect yourself while in the sun. Below are several steps you can take to help prevent sun damage and the development of skin cancer:

Wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a lightweight, long-sleeve shirt.
Schedule your outdoor activities during non-peak hours, which are before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
If you are outdoors, seek shade—do not allow your skin to burn.
Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 45 or greater and reapply every two hours.
Do not use tanning beds.
Give yourself extra protection when you’re around water, snow and sand, because they reflect the damaging rays of the sun and can cause you to burn easier.

Mary Evers, D.O., is a dermatologist, who practices at St. David’s Georgetown Hospital.