SUNBURN You got skin in this game

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun

By William Kincaid

“It’s extremely prevalent right now and really over the past few decades,” said Dr. Gary Grosel, chief medical officer of United Healthcare of Ohio.

In fact, skin cancer develops in one in five Americans by age 70, according to Grosel.

“Non-melanoma is like two to three million people a year getting this type of cancer,” Grosel said. “Melanoma, which is the most serious that people die of, about 130,000.

Grosel attributes a host of factors to the increase in skin cancer cases. However, 90% of all skin cancers are due to unprotected sun exposure, he pointed out.

“Things like the increase in outdoor activities that we do more of, the depletion of the ozone layer, some of the styles of clothing that we use, and even the increased longevity of people in general, it’s all part of that. “Grosel said. underline.

Genetics certainly play a role as well, he said.

“Those with fair skin, freckles, red or blond hair are at higher risk of developing skin cancer,” he said.

Tanning beds, although not as widely used as they once were, are linked to skin cancer, Grosel said. Contrary to the advice of some, it’s not beneficial to get a base tan from a tanning bed before you go on vacation, Grosel said.

You also don’t have to use a tanning bed to get sufficient amounts of vitamin D.

“You only need a few minutes…outside and you’ll have enough vitamin D. You don’t need anything more on that,” he said.

Skin cancer affects everyone

Skin cancers can develop in Americans young and old, Grosel said.

“Young people can still get it, but over time those who have been in the sun for long periods as they get older are more likely to develop it,” he said. “But anyone can get it.”

Valerie Heitkamp, ​​director of the Mercer County Cancer Association, said the organization has clients with skin cancer.

“The clients we’ve seen in the past two years have all attributed their cancer to the sun. Almost all of them are over 50,” she said. “Years ago, sunscreen wasn’t pushed like it is now.”

Photo by Paige Sutter/The Daily Standard

A representative sample of skin protection products includes sunscreen, oil and cooling gel against sunburn.

The right sunscreen

Both UVA and UVB rays can cause cancer, so it’s important to choose a sunscreen that protects against both. These sunscreens are widely available, Grosel said.

“So when you get sunscreen, just make sure you’re protected from both,” he said. Both can lead to cancer, although ultraviolet B is the one that affects the skin and causes the most problems and is the most prevalent for cancer.”

SPF 30 level sunscreens may be enough for people, Grosel said. While SPF 30 protects against 97% of the sun’s rays, the higher quality – and often more expensive – SPF 50 protects against 98% of the sun’s rays.

“There really isn’t much difference,” he said.

Grosel said while sunscreen sprays are more convenient than lotions, they can irritate the lungs and are often applied incorrectly.

Grosel urges people to reapply sunscreen often, especially when getting out of the water.

“With the pandemic, we all want to be outside because we’re so used to being sucked inside, but just be a little smarter with the sunscreen and use it correctly,” he said. declared. “Reapply if you intervene. Try to reapply every two hours.”

Those who spend long periods in the sun, such as boaters, should limit the time they expose their skin and consider covering up during peak sun hours, he said. UVA rays are present throughout the day while UVB rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

When asked about the signs and symptoms of skin cancer, Grosel said to look for irregular borders of different colors around moles or freckles.

“Even on someone’s nose, all of a sudden they develop something like a freckle. That should be concerning,” he said.

People, especially those predisposed to cancer, should have these abnormalities checked by a dermatologist or even a primary care physician, Grosel said.

“Melanoma can spread and so the sooner you can treat it, the better off you will be,” he said. “A lot of times they happen on the back or back of the shoulder or on the face that you can’t personally see. If you’re browsing with different people in a family and you notice something on someone, let it be known.”

There are many treatments for melanoma, Grosel said, but stressed that the sooner it is detected, the better the chance of a cure.