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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 can cause skin
cancer. UVA rays damage the skin causing wrinkling, sagging and
premature ageing and may also have a role in causing skin cancer.
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 you spend a lot of time outdoors
without protection, you risk:
- sunburn
- wrinkles, sunspots
- coarse leathery skin
- skin cancer
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Melanoma
- 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
- 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 10:00am to
2:00pm (11:00am to 3:00pm daylight saving time).
IMPORTANT
See your doctor if you have:
- an unusual skin condition that doesn't 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 which 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.
Don't hesitate to see your doctor - the
earlier you have it checked, the easier it will be treated.
- Skin cancer in adults is related to the
amount of exposure to UVA and UVB rays during childhood.
- Clouds don't block out UVA and UVB rays.
- White surfaces (e.g. cement, sand, snow) reflect sunlight and
increase your 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.
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 - wrap-around styles are 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.
- Some medicines and cosmetics cause an adverse reaction while skin is
exposed to sunlight. Some medicines cause you to burn more quickly -
ask your pharmacist.
APPLYING
SUNSCREENS
- 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.
For more
information, visit the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Research Institute
website:
www.mascri.com.au
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