Barbecues, pool parties, baseball, gardening -- all of these summer pastimes have one thing in common, and that's spending time in the sun. While the sunshine's warmth feels good on the skin and getting your daily dose of Vitamin D is important, protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays also is important.
After all, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
So how can you protect yourself from the bad rays? Essential pieces to anyone's sun safety arsenal should be sunglasses, a hat and good sunscreen. Protect your skin all day -- especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when sunburns occur the most.
Look for a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The number refers to the amount of time it takes to burn unprotected skin versus sunscreen-protected skin. For example, a sunscreen labeled SPF 15 would allow someone to spend 15 times longer in the sun without burning.
When selecting a sunscreen, choose one that protects against ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. These sunscreens may be called "broad spectrum."
UVA rays can cause DNA and collagen damage because they penetrate the skin more deeply. UVA rays play a role in skin cancer development and skin aging.
UVB rays are more intense rays that alter skin color like a sunburn or a suntan, but also may quicken skin aging. These rays have a key role in developing skin cancer.
Sunburns can happen anywhere
Sun exposure happens all the time -- while driving in the car, through windows at home, reflecting off of concrete, snow or sand. Even on a cloudy day, it's possible to get a sunburn.
That's why it's so important to remember your sunscreen when spending time outdoors. Apply an ounce of sunscreen, the equivalent of a shot glass of lotion, 20-30 minutes before going outside. Reapply sunscreen frequently, about every two hours, especially after being in the water or exercising.
Melanoma (skin cancer)
Melanoma, also known as skin cancer, is one of the most serious and fastest-growing types of skin cancer. About 90 percent of skin cancers occur on the hands, lips, ears, neck or head. These are the areas of the body that are in the sun the most. Other risk factors include a person's complexion (lighter-skinned people have a greater risk), age, family history and where you live. Southern states have an increased risk of skin cancer.
It's a good idea to inspect your skin. Keep an eye on moles, freckles and other spots on your skin. If there are any changes to these areas, show them to your physician or provider.
Warning signs include a mole, brown spot or birthmark that changes over time. The change could be in color, texture, increase in size or thickness, irregular outlines or if it is bigger than the size of a pencil eraser (6 millimeters or a quarter inch).
Any spot on your skin that itches, hurts, is sore, scabs, crusts or bleeds -- or if an open sore doesn't heal -- should be brought to your provider's attention.
If found and treated early, there is a high cure rate -- about 99 percent -- according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
It's never too late to start protecting your skin.
About Siloam Springs Regional Hospital
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is a 73 licensed bed facility with 42 private patient rooms. It is accredited by the State of Arkansas Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission. Some services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, medical, surgical and intensive care units, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 30 physicians on the medical staff, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital provides compassionate, customer-focused care. The new facility, which opened April 2012, is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs. For more information, visit SSRH.net.
Editorial on 06/24/2015