Protect Your Skin This Summer

By Alissa Fox, MD, Dermatologist, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset

As the weather gets warmer, it’s tempting to spend some extra time in the sun. Doing so unprotected, however, puts your skin and health at great risk. Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted from the sun increases your risk of developing skin cancer. In fact, 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 86% of the more serious melanoma skin cancers are associated with UV radiation from the sun. Though melanoma can be extremely deadly, claiming more than 9,000 lives in the United States each year, melanoma is also highly preventable with some lifestyle changes. This summer, protect yourself from the damaging effects of sun exposure by getting familiar with these tips and warning signs.

Skin Safety Tips:

· Cover up

Clothing is your best defense against the sun. Wear long layers and a wide-brimmed hat while working or playing outdoors. Sun-protective clothing and bathing suits that contain an ultraviolet protective factor (UPF) are also a good idea to wear to enhance protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

· Wear sunscreen

Generously apply water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply the sunscreen generously to all parts of your body 30 minutes before going outdoors, to allow it to absorb in your skin, and reapply it every two to three hours.

· Wear sunglasses

Eyes can sustain sun damage too. Protect yourself from cataracts by wearing sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.

· Seek shade

Seek shade when outside, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is strongest.

In addition to following sun safety tips, make sure to examine your skin at least once per month. Early detection can keep skin cancer from becoming life-threatening. If you notice any of the warning signs below, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist for an assessment.

Warning Signs:

· The appearance of a new bump or nodule

· Color spreading into surrounding skin

· Redness or swelling beyond the mole

· Pain, tenderness, itching and/or bleeding

Individuals are encouraged to monitor their skin by following the ABCDE rule to determine changes:

· Asymmetry- One half is different than the other half.

· Border irregularity- The edges are notched, uneven or blurred.

· Color- The color is uneven. Shades of brown, tan and black are present.

· Diameter- Diameter is greater than six millimeters.

· Evolving- Any change in size, shape, color, elevation or another trait can point to danger.

For more information about melanoma and skin cancer prevention methods, visit http://www.rwjuh.edu/.