Summer’s here, and in Wisconsin that often means spending as much time as we can outdoors. Taking a moment to pause and protect your skin will help ensure you can prolong the fun. And if you’re already a sunscreen pro, read on to make sure you’re not missing often-overlooked areas as you’re applying.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. With 20% of Americans developing the disease by age 70, it’s a serious concern.
July’s UV Safety Awareness Month offers a good time to remember a few easy precautions you can take to help prevent skin cancer. Keep these in mind all throughout the year.
Sunscreen Basics
“Make sure to apply sunscreen year-round, not just during the warmer summer months,” says Dr. Glenn Vogelsang, a Family Medicine Physician with Thedacare Physicians-Oshkosh. “Ultraviolet radiation, which causes the damage that can lead to skin cancer, is present even in the winter months and on cloudy days.”
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen — one that protects against both UVA and UVB light — with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, however 50 or greater would be optimal, Dr. Vogelsang says. SPF is a measure of how much UV radiation is required to produce sunburn on protected skin.
You can choose from two types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral. Both offer similar levels of protection, and choosing one comes down to individual preference.
Chemical sunscreens need about 30 minutes to absorb into the skin to be effective, so plan ahead and apply before going outside. Mineral sunscreens provide a physical barrier to UV rays and are especially good for infants and younger children.
Reapply at least every two hours. Apply more frequently if you’re participating in water sports, sweating a lot, or getting a lot of direct sun.
Spots Not to Miss
“People sometimes quickly apply sunscreen to their face, arms, and legs and think they’re done,” Dr. Vogelsang says. “It’s important to apply carefully and use an adequate amount of sunscreen to cover exposed areas.”
A common guideline for adults is to use about 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover their skin. That equates to a shot glass.
“The sun-exposed areas of the body are where we find the most skin cancers,” Dr. Vogelsang says. “Don’t overlook any of these areas. Be sure you’re protected from head to toe.”
Don’t overlook these parts as you’re applying:
- Ears and nose. “The ears and nose are among the most common areas where skin cancer is found,” Dr. Vogelsang says. “Make sure you apply sunscreen to the whole ear and nose, including the tops and the middle of your ear and tip of the nose.” The sun’s rays can also reach you through car windows, where your ear and arm can get exposed.
- Tops of feet. If you’re wearing sandals or flip-flops, the delicate skin on the tops of your feet gets lots of sun. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen here.
- Eyelids. “Your sunglasses are the best way to protect your eyelids from burns,” Dr. Vogelsang says. “And you should ensure your sunglasses provide 100% UV protection.” Special eye creams with SPF or blockers like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are available. Wearing a hat also can reduce sun exposure to your eyelids.
- Scalp. Here’s another time your hat comes in handy. “Your scalp is one of those places you might not immediately think of applying sunscreen, but exposed areas like parts in the hair or bald spots are particularly vulnerable,” Dr. Vogelsang says. “Wear sunscreen to protect yourself, or make sure you cover your scalp with a hat.”
- Lips. Wear a lip balm with SPF, and reapply frequently. The lower lip gets much more exposure to the sun.
Additional Steps to Take
In addition to sunscreen, covering your skin with lightweight clothing can help you avoid the damaging sunburn that can lead to skin cancer later on. Consider wearing a wide-brim hat as well.
“Limiting time outdoors during peak sun exposure time can also help protect you from the strongest rays,” Dr. Vogelsang says. “Those hours in the summer are generally between about 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.”
Spotting Suspicious Spots
Keeping an eye on your skin to help detect potential skin cancers early can mean the difference between life and death.
The ABCDE guide is a way to monitor any moles you have on your body and to note any that you should show to your health care provider.
- Asymmetry. The halves of the mole look different from each other.
- Border. The mole has an uneven, blurred or ragged edge, or the coloring is spreading into the skin around the mole.
- Color. The mole is made up of varying shades of black, brown, and tan. Or it has areas of other coloring like pink, white, or blue.
- Diameter. The mole is growing. Melanomas most often are larger than a pencil eraser.
- Evolution. The mole is changing over time in size or color.
Additionally, watch for new moles or older ones that change in any way, including size, shape, color, or feeling. Checking your body over each month and taking photos of any moles you’re concerned about can help you track changes.
“Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these ABCDE signs or other changes,” Dr. Vogelsang says. “We can help spot skin cancers and provide referrals to dermatologists or other specialist as needed.”
