This archive report was first published on 7 November 2019.
November 7, 2019, marked a significant reminder of the importance of skin health. Every cell in your skin has the potential to become cancerous if exposed to cancer-causing conditions. Skin cancer, although previously uncommon, is becoming increasingly common, particularly with increased exposure to its causative agents.
Fortunately, by following these simple rules, you can protect yourself from getting skin cancer. The first step is to get annual check-ups with a dermatologist. Yearly visits are essential in keeping track of any skin changes you may have been experiencing. A non-healing pimple or a mole might be skin cancer, and many people are unaware of this as they think it is normal to have a mole.
Check-ups are crucial as skin cancer can easily be mistaken for something else if not checked by a professional. The second rule is to wear sunscreen. It does not matter what season it is; always wear your sunscreen. Harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun can get through clouds and harm your skin. Use a water-resistant sunscreen that will protect you from both Ultraviolet A-rays (UVA) and Ultraviolet B-rays (UVB). Ensure it has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Apply sunscreen when exercising and even when going swimming, and reapply every 20 minutes. Reapplication is essential, especially when the sun is the hottest, which is usually between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The third rule is to avoid sunbathing. Sunbathing can have serious consequences for your skin. You could apply sunscreen, but still expose your skin to harmful rays from the sun. Long exposure to the sun damages skin cells and can lead to early aging and skin cancer.
Use a water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen that has SPF and reapply every two hours, especially when you are in water. Stay under a shade and wear a hat and sunglasses if you have to walk around in the hot sun.
The fourth rule is to avoid tanning beds. Using tanning beds exposes your skin to radiation that is stronger than the sun and can cause your skin cells to mutate and grow into tumours that are cancerous. When the outer layer of the skin and the dermis, which is the middle layer of the skin, are exposed to too much radiation over the years, the skin becomes wrinkled and sullen, leaving one exposed to the possibility of getting skin cancer due to the mutations.
The fifth rule is to wear clothes that protect you from the sun. Instead of wearing traditional cotton fibres, wear protective clothing that has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating. Clothes with a UPF rating of 50 mean that only one of the 50 sun rays reaches your skin. A tighter weave on a fabric gives it more protection compared to a loose one.
Finally, check yourself regularly. If you have a family history of skin cancer, lighter skin pigmentation, and if you are exposed to extensive sun for long hours every day, you should get checked once every month. If you notice any itching, burning, bleeding, and non-healing sores, consider seeing a dermatologist as this may be signs of something serious.
