Dr. Matthew Bogard, Iowa Doctor - Safe Sun Exposure - Enjoying the Sun and Preventing Skin Cancer

Safe Sun Exposure - Enjoying the Sun and Preventing Skin Cancer

A good friend of mine is a dermatologist who specializes in treating skin cancers.  He is quick to remind people, "There is no such thing as a healthy tan."  Whether you get your ultraviolet fix from Mother Nature or from a tanning booth, tanned skin contains cells with permanent damage to their DNA and a chance of morphing into cancer.  About half of all cancers nationwide are skin cancers and their frequency is increasing.  Melanoma in particular is becoming far more common, especially in younger patients (in their 20's and 30's), which is especially alarming because melanoma has a high risk of metastasizing and causing death.

The sun gives off heat and ultraviolet (UV) light.  There are two types of UV light - A and B.  UVA light is "aging" light - the waveform of UVA light allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin where it interferes with the support structures of the skin, damaging elastin and collagen, and causing wrinkles and skin sagging.  UVB light is "burning" light - the waveform is shorter so it causes reddening (sunburn) and darkening (tanning) of the skin, along with causing far more genetic mutations and the vast majority of cancers.

Here are some tips to help you practice "Safe Sun" this summer:

1. Avoid direct sunlight on your skin during peak sunlight hours. Two-thirds of each day’s UVB radiation reaches the earth between 10 AM and 2 PM, when filtration by the atmosphere is the least.  The morning or evening is the best time to be outside.

2. Sunglasses that block 100% UV help protect your eyes against cataracts.  Cover up with loose, cool long-sleeved shirts and pants, and a hat with at least a 3-inch rim all the way around. 

3. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (meaning it screens both UVA and UVB) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 on all exposed skin, even on hazy days.  Apply liberally about 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, and reapply after swimming or excessive sweating.

4.  Avoid long periods of direct sunlight on your skin, especially if it is unusual for you to be out that long. This type of sunlight exposure is linked more to skin cancer. Be aware of how long you are outside.

5. Avoid sunburn at any age. The majority of skin cancer patients have had sunburns, and sunburn is probably the leading preventable cause of melanoma.

6. Keep infants under six months out of direct sun and covered by protective clothing.  Apply sunscreen anytime infants are going to be outside as their skin is more delicate.

7. Habits acquired in childhood carry throughout life. One of the most important is sun protection. Approximately 80 percent of our lifetime sun exposure is acquired in the first 18 years.

8. Be aware of reflected sun off snow, sand, and water.

Dr. Matt Bogard, M.D. is a medical doctor.  He is board-certified in Family Medicine and Board-Eligible in Emergency Medicine.  He sees patients of all ages, genders, and complaints.

References:
Blog: https://matthewbogardmd.blogspot.com/
News: https://medicogazette.com/dr-matthew-bogard%2C-iowa

News: https://hippocratesguild.com/dr-matthew-bogard

News: https://hype.news/dr-matthew-bogard/
News: https://attorneygazette.com/matthew-bogard%2C-md#7244cab0-d3fa-44b9-8632-6f83b0524da4

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbogard/

Dr. Matthew Bogard, Iowa doctor, is an emergency medicine doctor primarily at the Lucas County Health Center in Chariton, Iowa. Presently, he is Board Certified in Family Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons and the American Academy of Family Physicians.