Published: June 23, 2007 05:05 pm      

Sunday Health: Summer smarts

Skin care critical in outdoor seasons

Summer heat dictates the wearing of shorts, swimsuits and tank tops in an effort to stay cool. It is also the time of year for vacations, trips to the beach, the amusement park and the pool.

However, summer is also the time of year when exposure to the sun and its harmful UVA and UVB rays is most dangerous to skin health. Some sun-worshippers, believing the hype and propaganda that “tan is in” even start during winter or spring months visiting tanning salons, in an effort to “jump start” their tans.

In reality, too many people realize when it’s too late that their “in” tan has cost them dearly.

“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in humans,” said Dr. Kyle Hamilton of Navarro Regional Hospital.

According to www.skincancer.org, melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. If it is caught and treated early, the cure rate is very high. If it is not caught and treated early enough, it can advance and spread to other parts of the body, and can be fatal.

“Everyone is at some risk for melanoma, but increased risk depends on several factors,” the Web site states.

“Factors affecting melanoma diagnosis are sun exposure, light skin color, family predisposition and dysplastic nevi syndrome,” Hamilton said.

The Web site www.skinsite.com states that atypical moles, also referred to as “Clark’s nevi” or dysplastic nevi, are moles that are considered to be precancerous or more likely to turn into melanoma than regular moles. Moles with irregular borders, slight variations in color, or asymmetry can be considered atypical moles. “Most experts believe that atypical moles are at higher risk of turning into melanoma as compared to normal moles,” the Web site states.

“About one in 20 patients with melanoma have a family history of melanoma,” Hamilton said. “Prognosis and treatment depend on how deep the melanoma cells go. It is important to receive a close skin exam every 12 months by a physician.”

In addition to having a family doctor or dermatologist (skin specialist) check skin once a year, self-checking skin once a month can make a difference in early detection, as well. After a bath or shower, stand in front of a full-length mirror in a well-lit room. Use a hand mirror to check hard to see areas, or have a mate or relative help you. Beginning with the face and scalp, work your way down the body, and don’t neglect fingernails, between fingers, toenails and between toes. Do not skip palms of hands or soles of feet, as melanoma may develop in those areas too, in spite of little sun exposure.

According to www.cancer.gov, watching moles for any sign of change is important. If a moles itches or bleeds, have it seen immediately by a doctor. Also watch for new moles, moles that change colors, or feel different. Check moles even more carefully during times of hormonal changes, such as adolescence, pregnancy or menopause.

“The removal of a mole, called a biopsy, is usually done in the doctor’s office using a local anesthetic,” the Web site states.

“It generally only takes a few minutes. The patient may require stitches, and a small scar will remain after healing. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to see whether the melanocytes are normal, dysplastic, or cancerous.”

It goes on to say that usually, only moles that look like melanoma, those that change, or those that are both new and look abnormal need to be removed.

“Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer,” Hamilton said.

This type of skin cancer (BCC) has a low rate of metastasis, and is not usually life-threatening. The Web site www.skincancer.org states that the “sun is responsible for over 90 percent of all skin cancers, including BCCs, which occur most frequently on sun-exposed areas of the body such as face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders and back.”

Warning signs of basal cell carcinomas include open sores that remain open for weeks, reddish patches which may itch or hurt, a shiny bump which may look pearly and be pink, red or white, or a pink growth with an indention in the center, or a scar-like area, which may appear shiny.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer, with over 250,000 new cases per year estimated in the United States, according to www.skincancer.org. While most are not serious, if they are overlooked, they are harder to treat and can cause disfigurement. Most cases are caused by overexposure to the sun, and tumors appear most frequently on face, neck, bald scalp, hands, shoulders, arms, back, rim of ear and lower lip.

“Always have skin changes of any kind evaluated,” Hamilton said. “Especially anything with irritation or bleeding, go immediately to the doctor, don’t wait for your next yearly exam.”

Since sunlight is believed to be responsible for 90 percent of all skin cancers, extreme caution should be used while outside.

Tanning salons should be avoided, especially by those with fair skin, light hair, and blue green or grey eyes.

“People think tanning is attractive, especially teenagers, and we try to teach our patients not to do tanning,” Hamilton said. “Also, stay out of the sun during the middle of the day. Tanning is certainly not good for long-term skin health.”

Using sunscreen is one defense against sun damage, but Hamilton said people either don’t use high enough SPF (sun protection factor) or don’t reapply the sunscreen often enough.

“It needs to be reapplied every two hours and after swimming,” he said. “Also, don’t use sunscreen in order to prolong sun exposure, and use one with an SPF of 15 or greater.”

Sunscreens now come in 50, 60 and even 75 SPF, and also come in a spray-on variety, for those with aversion to lotions. The higher the SPF number, the better protection from harmful ultraviolet rays. But still reapply sunscreen every two hours, no matter the SPF.

For those who work outside, such as construction workers, groundskeepers, lifeguards, and others, greater care should be exercised than simply reapplying sunscreen liberally and often. Areas with more sunlight, such as Florida, Texas or Hawaii, have increased risk of skin cancer occurrence.

“We see older farmers, outside workers pretty regularly, and so many of them wear baseball caps,” Hamilton said. “What they really should be wearing is wide-brimmed hats, which would protect the ears and back of the neck. Also, long-sleeved shirts should be worn, because we see a lot of skin damage on the arms, and the ears.

“Try to limit outdoor activities to before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. whenever possible.”

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Deanna Plemons may be contacted via e-mail at deannap@corsicanadailysun.com