Learn about sun protection from Dr. Chrisite Carroll
As the weather gets warmer, we all start spending more time outside. This summer, be sure to practice sun safe behaviors. Why is this important? Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States -- one in five Americans will develop some type of skin cancer during their lifetime. Skin cancer is much more common in people with lighter skin types, but skin cancer occurs in people with darker skin types as well.
Sun protection begins with avoiding exposure during the peak times of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It is also important to teach sun protection to children. One such lesson is to follow the “shadow rule.” If, when you stand in the sun, your shadow is shorter than you are you should be playing in the shade or wearing some type of sun protection.
Avoidance is not always possible, so the next best defense is using sun protection. This includes sun protective clothing, hats, and sun glasses. There are many lightweight outdoor fabrics that are now carry sun protective ratings. Using sunscreens is the last line of defense. Use sunscreen on the face and arms daily, but more importantly, use sunscreen when participating in outdoor activities such as the little league games or water activities. Use at least a SPF 30 product with both UVA and UVB coverage. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going outdoors and in a thick enough layer that you have to rub it in. Most people use only a quarter of the amount of what they should be using. Sunscreens should be re-applied every 2 hours.
These tips will help you enjoy summer activities without sun burns and, if followed diligently, could prevent you from having to make a trip to the dermatologist later in life.
For more information about Dr. Christie Carroll, visit our convenient online directory. Or to schedule an appointment, call 530.668.2600.
