How Not To Get Skin Cancer
October 5, 2009 by skin
Filed under Featured Articles, Quick Tips, Skin Care
Teaching children good habits for being in the sun is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer for future generations. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are some of the best ways to promote good skin health with youth. Many Dermatologists encourage parents to send there kids outside with a sunscreen containing nothing less than an SPF of 50.
Those who are fair-skinned and have freckles are usually at a much higher risk of getting skin cancer from the sun than those who are naturally darker-skinned. Melanin is a pigment in skin that helps protect against UV radiation. People with fair skin have less melanin, so they are more likely to freckle and burn. This puts them at higher risk for skin cancer than their darker-skinner counterparts. Those with many moles or a family history of skin cancer should talk to their doctor or dermatologist about regular skin cancer screenings.
It is also important to do regular exams on your kids and yourself. Note the shape and size of any growing or new moles and see a doctor if you notice any change. For more information on how to do a self skin cancer screening or what to look for during a self skin cancer screening, read Tips For Preventing Skin Cancer.
Studies show that children who use sunscreen develop fewer moles, which means it could decrease the risk of melanoma later in life. Also, a history of five or moresevere sunburns before adolescence more than doubles the risk of developing melanoma as an adult.
Balancing an active life with avoiding the sun’s harmful rays may sound difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. The American Cancer Society suggests this catch phrase: “Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap!” – Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses.
A hat with a 2″-3″ brim is best because it protects the neck, ears, forehead, nose and scalp. Use sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming and sweating. Use sunscreen even on hazy orovercast days, and pit it on about 20-30 minutes before you go outside.
