Jul 19, 2024
I’m Meredith Williams, MPH, RN, OCN, director of cancer services at United Hospital Center. July is Ultraviolet Safety Month and I’m here to answer your questions about UV Rays and skin safety.
1. Can you offer some tips on how we can protect our skin from UV Rays?
Limit time in the midday sun and seek shade. Shade is a good source of protection. However, keep in mind that trees, umbrellas, and canopies do not offer complete sun protection. If you must be in the sun, always use sunscreen. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher on all exposed skin 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours, or after working, swimming, playing, or exercising outdoors.
If possible, wear protective clothing. Wide-brimmed hats offer good sun protection for your eyes, ears, face, and neck. Sunglasses that provide 99 to 100% UVA and UVB protection will greatly reduce eye damage from sun exposure. Tightly woven, loose-fitting clothes will provide additional protection from the sun.
2. Are tanning beds a safe alternative to tanning in the sun?
We’ve all heard the phrase, “a healthy tan,” but there is no such thing. Tanning is your body’s attempt to protect itself from being damaged by ultraviolet radiation. Avoid sun tanning and tanning beds. UV light from tanning beds and the sun can cause skin cancer and wrinkling.
3. Do you have any additional preventative recommendations?
Regardless of your exposure to UV rays, conduct a monthly self-check to look for any skin abnormalities. Have a friend or family member check your back and scalp. Look for bumps or sores that don’t heal or for moles that have changed size, color, or shape. It’s important to visit your physician or a dermatologist for regular skin checks and to have any new or changing mole evaluated. When caught early, most cases of skin cancer can be cured.
This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.
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