Tanning is a sign of skin damage. Tanning occurs when the skin produces additional pigment to protect itself against sunburn from ultraviolet rays. To help reduce your risk of skin damage from sunlight, try to minimize your exposure from 10 AM and 3 PM., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Remember too, that even casual exposure to sunlight such as driving a car, walking to the store, watering the lawn, taking an outdoor lunch break, gardening, etc contributes to cumulative lifetime exposure. If you’re out during the peak hours, make sure that you use protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Too much sun exposure could cause skin cancer.
Who is at risk?
Although anyone can get skin cancer, people with certain characteristics are particularly at risk. Â The risk factors for skin cancer include:
- Fair skin; blond, red, or light brown hair; and blue green, or gray eyes
- Family history of skin cancer
- Several blistering sunburns as a child or teenager
- Moles that are not regular in shape
- People who have freckles and burn before tanning
- People who live at high altitudes, live near the equator or vacationed on one
Warning Signs
Signs to look for in skin cancer are changes in size, texture, shape and color of blemishes or a sore that does not heal. If you find any changes, it is advisable to see your doctor. Here’s how to do a self exam:
- Examine your body in the mirror including the right and left sides with arms raised.
- Examine back of neck and scalp with the help of a hand mirror.
- Check back and buttocks with a hand mirror.
- Bend elbows and look carefully at forearms, upper underarms and palms.
- Look at your feet, including the soles and spaces between your toes.
It’s also recommended to ask your physician during regular visits to check on your skin. The more of these practices you can incorporate into your life, the greater your chances or reducing the damage sun can cause.
