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August: Skin Safety Awareness Month

mother and child apply sunscreen

Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and get vitamin D. You can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, and most cases are preventable. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells.  Skin Cancer is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. People of all ages, races, and backgrounds are at risk.

As we come into the summer months, it’s important to review skin care / skin cancer prevention; however it is important to understand that protection from UV rays is imperative all year round.

Your role in prevention

Relaxing in the sun may feel good, but it isn’t good for your skin.  The following information are recommendations from the CDC in ways to protect yourself from UV rays, yet still enjoy the benefits the sun can provide.

  • Watch the clock and find some shade.  In the continental United States, UV rays tend to be strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daylight saving time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time). Limit time in direct sunlight during this time.  When possible, head for the shade.  Use an umbrella when sitting or strolling
  • Watch out for cloudy skies. Keep in mind that even when the weather is hazy or cloudy, your skin can be exposed to strong UV rays. UV light can pass through clouds even when visible light doesn't.
  • Choose protective clothing. Wear tightly woven clothing that covers your skin such as a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Put on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and scalp. Look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection value (UPV) which offers extra protection.
  • Remember your eyes too. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. Wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around them. Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection.
  • Be careful near reflective surface. Know that the sun’s rays can reflect off sand, water, pavement, and snow. This can harm your skin. Take extra care when you are near reflective surfaces.
  • Protect your lips. Use lip balm or lipstick with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher.
  • Shield your skin with sunscreen… And reapply often.  Put on a water-resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher, on all exposed skin, before you go outside.  Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours ; more often if you are swimming or sweating.  Remember to use sunscreen on your children’s skin as well. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies younger than 6 months.  Keep infants out of the sun midday and use protective clothing if they need to be out in the sun. As a reminder, Sunscreen isn’t an all-protective force field. It is intended to be combined with other sun-safety approaches.

If you have questions about skin conditions, or an area of skin changing in color, size and or shape, please reach out to your VA Women’s Health Primary Care Provider for a skin check. If you have difficulty coming into the clinic, please ask about our VA Video Connect Services.

For more information about the Madison VA Hospital, visit www.madison.va.gov or www.facebook.com/MadisonVAHospital and subscribe to our newsletters.