Sense in the Sun
The sun’s rays are harmful to the skin. Melanin, the natural pigment in the skin, gives some protection from these damaging rays, but for most people, it is not enough. UVB rays cause sunburn and also affect the DNA in the skin which may cause skin cancer. UVA rays damage the skin, causing wrinkling, sagging and premature ageing, and may also have a role in causing skin cancer. Visible light may trigger photosensitivity reactions and a recurrence of cold sores.
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in sunlight is made up of UVA, UVB and UVC rays. Only some UVB and most UVA rays reach the earth’s surface. UVC and shorter UVB rays are either absorbed in space or in the ozone layer.
There is less UVR in the morning and evening, when the sun is closer to the horizon, and less in winter than in summer. During the middle hours of the day UVR is greater because there is less atmosphere for it to pass through. There is also more UVR closer to the equator, at high altitudes and when pollution levels are low.
Risks
If you have fair or sensitive skin or spend a lot of time in the sun or outdoors without protection, you risk:
* Sunburn
* Wrinkles, sunspots
* Coarse leathery skin
* Skin cancer.
Important
See your doctor if you have:
* An unusual skin condition that does not heal within four weeks - including any lump, sore, ulcer or scaly patch on the skin, or white patch on the lips.
* A freckle, mole or spot that appears or changes over a period of months.
* An unusual freckle, mole or spot - look for irregular shape, uneven surface, colour change in the freckle, mole or skin around it. Do not hesitate to see your doctor - the earlier you have it checked, the easier it will be to treat.
* Skin cancer in adults is related to the amount of exposure to UVA and UVB rays during childhood.
* Clouds do not block out UVA and UVB rays.
* White surfaces (e.g. cement, sand, snow) reflect sunlight and increase exposure to UVA and UVB rays.
* Sunlight goes through water and can burn while you swim.
* Wind may be cooling, but the sun still burns the skin.
Signs and symptoms
Melanoma
* The most dangerous skin cancer
* If treated early, 90% can be curable
* May appear as a new spot or an existing freckle or mole that changes colour, size or shape
* Usually has an irregular or smudgy outline and may be several different colours
* Grows over weeks to months, anywhere on the body.
Squamous cell carcinoma
* Not as dangerous as melanoma
* Can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early
* Appears as a thickened, red, scaly spot that may bleed or form an ulcer
* Found on areas most often exposed to the sun e.g. back of the hands
* Grows over some months.
Basal cell carcinoma
* Most common and least dangerous skin cancer
* Red, pale or pearly in colour
* Looks like a sore that doesn’t heal, or one that heals and then breaks down again
* Grows slowly but can spread if left untreated
* Found on the head, neck and upper body.
Sunspots
Also known as solar keratosis
* Red, flat scaling areas which may sting if scratched
* Appear on skin exposed to the sun, mostly in people over 40 years of age
* Not a skin cancer, but are a warning that you are prone to skin cancer.
Sunlight
UVA and UVB rays are the strongest and most dangerous from 10am to 2pm (11am to 3pm daylight saving time).
Self care
* Slip on sun protective clothing. If you have fair skin, wear a shirt while swimming.
* Slop on a SPF 30+ sunscreen. Make sure you apply it properly. (Ask your pharmacist.)
* Slap on a hat. Wear a wide-brimmed hat whenever you go outside.
* Slide on a pair of sunglasses, wraparound styles are best.
* Plan family outdoor activities to suit the child with the most sensitive skin.
* In summer, encourage indoor activities during the danger hours.
* Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day (check with your doctor if you have kidney or heart problems).
* Have your skin checked every year for sun damage.
* Avoid tanning with sunlamps. They cause the same damage to your skin as the sun.
* Some medicines and cosmetics cause an adverse reaction when skin is exposed to sunlight. Some medicines cause you to burn more quickly. (Ask your pharmacist.)
* Protect your lips with sunscreen all year round if you have ever had a cold sore.
* Use a SPF 30+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
* Apply to clean dry skin 20 minutes before going outside
* Reapply sunscreen every two hours. Reapply more often if you are swimming or playing sport
* Put sunscreen on children before they go to school
* Carry spare sunscreen in your bag, in a cool place in the car or in the nappy bag.
Contact:
A doctor - listed under Medical Practitioners in the yellow pages of the phone book
Your state cancer body - listed under ‘Cancer’ in the white pages of the phone book
Internet site: Sydney Melanoma Unit www.med.usyd.edu.au/medicine/melanoma
Your Self Care pharmacist. To find: (02) 6283 4777
In case of poisoning, phone the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126 from anywhere in Australia.
Pharmacists are medicines experts. Ask your pharmacist for advice when choosing a medicine.
