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Women's Health

Healthy Skin Guard against the sun, 24/7. By Dr. Kristen KellyPublished: May, 2006

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Guard against the sun, 24/7 It is important to find skin cancer early, when  it is easier to treat. Even melanoma can be relatively easy to treat  when it is found early, but it can be deadly if found too late. We tend to take our skin for granted until it becomes  problematic – wrinkled, spotted or, worst of all, diseased. It’s  crucial to be proactive with your skin in order to maintain its beauty  and health, particularly in sunny Southern California These important  guidelines should help you keep your skin in the best condition possible throughout your life. Sunscreen The consistent use of sunscreen is one of the most important things  you can do to protect your skin. Select a product that protects against  both ultraviolet  (UV) A and B, because both light spectrums can induce sun damage. You also  want a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, although higher  SPFs offer even  more protection, and a little added protection can mean a lot over the course  of a lifetime. Sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are especially beneficial and  are also less likely to cause rashes in those with sensitive skin. If your  skin is prone to acne, look for a sunscreen that is oil-free and “non-comedogenic” (meaning  that the product doesn’t clog the pores). Sunscreen should be applied 30  minutes before going outside, or into a pool or waterway, to allow it to be  absorbed by the skin. In general, people do not use enough sunscreen, and this is especially true with sprays. Be sure to reapply sunscreen throughout the day (every four hours or more often), especially if  you are in the water or are sweating profusely. Protective clothing, including  a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also important. A white T-shirt provides  an SPF of only 5. Darker clothing offers more protection,  and even better are sun-protective clothes that can be purchased from Internet  sites or local stores. Many medications, including antibiotics, birth-control pills and heart medications can make you more sensitive to the sun. When taking these medications, be extra careful to protect yourself. Kids and sun Protect that tender, young skin! Any sunburns, especially those from  childhood years, are thought to increase the risk of skin cancer  in adulthood, decades  later. As such, it is very important for children to practice good sun-protective  practices. Further, individuals who learn the importance of sun protection  at a young age may be more likely to continue these habits throughout  their lives. Children younger than 6 months of age should be kept in the shade whenever possible.  Older children should wear hats, waterproof sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.  It is uncommon to see skin cancer in teens, but it is possible if they were unprotected throughout their childhoods. Sun damage Ideally, a lifetime of sun protection will help avoid skin cancers  and sun damage. Though skin cancer is not common in women of childbearing years, it is sometimes  seen in those who have failed to protect their skin or who are genetically  prone to skin cancers. There are three types of skin cancer. Basal cell skin cancer manifests as red, pearly bumps or red, scaly  areas that may bleed easily, while squamous cell carcinomas show  up as bumps or sores that  do not go away. Melanoma is the skin cancer of greatest concern. It usually  presents as a mole that is irregular in shape or color, or is changing.     •     Everyone should  perform a monthly skin self-examination. Women can do a skin check at the  same time as their monthly breast self-exam. Check for new or changing  skin lesions and moles that are black, have multiple colors, are irregularly  shaped or are bleeding. Moles that don’t look like the other moles  on your body may also be a problem.     •     If you notice anything peculiar or have any  questions regarding your skin’s health, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. It is important to  find skin cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Even melanoma can be relatively  easy to treat when it is found early, but it can be deadly if found too  late.     •     Other  signs of sun damage include wrinkles, brown spots and rough, scaly bumps. Dermatologists have a wide range of tools to treat  or lessen sun damage, including topical medications, chemical peels and  laser treatments. Some of these treatments  may minimize the risk of skin cancer by getting rid of precancerous lesions.  Others may improve skin appearance and texture. It is important to discuss  the risks and benefits of any proposed treatment options with your dermatologist. If you have any questions about your skin, and especially if you detect lesions  or moles that are irregular or changing, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible. Keeping your skin healthy will help you look and feel  young.m Dr.  Kristin Kelly is a dermatologist with UCI Medical Center, Orange County’s  only university hospital, and practices at UCI’s Gottschalk Medical Plaza  in Irvine. She may be reached at 949.824.8600 or toll-free at 877.UCI.DOCS.

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