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'Tis The Season

Southwest Florida Ready To Burn (And Tan)

  

Family At Beach
by Michael Barnaby

Lee County is fast approaching Sunburn Season. Yes, Florida’s Tropical Island Paradise, as our county tourism department aptly describes us, soon will be hosting thousands of cases of "acute solar damage to the skin." School will be out, vacation time will be upon us, and we’ll want that tan, that bronze, that societal sign of good health. And so many of us will get burned.

Here, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are some of the reasons why people get a sunburn:

  • Society views tanned skin as healthy and attractive.
  • A dangerous myth exists that one needs an initial sunburn to start a baseline tan.
  • People overlook skin protection options other than sunscreen (shade, cover up, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat).
  • Since skin cancer typically develops after years of sun exposure, young adults don't see the consequences of their behavior until it's too late.
  • People of all ages tend to think about protecting themselves from the sun at the beach or lake, and don't remember to protect themselves during other outdoor activities such as hiking and outdoor sporting or concert events.
  • Sunscreen and other skin protection options are sometimes used as a response to a burn rather than as prevention. Once the skin is sunburned, it's too late; the damage has been done.
    •

    By and large, youth is the time for sun worship. But this is unfortunate, because medical experts now believe that protecting the skin as a child and teenager can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging as an adult. May, being National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, offers us an opportunity to review some sun and skin care facts, and to prepare for the long summer ahead.

    Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, yet to a great degree it can be easily prevented. The CDC reports that the incidence of melanoma more than doubled among whites from 1973 to 1998. In 2001 about 50,000 new cases of malignant melanoma were diagnosed, and an estimated 7800 persons died from the disease. Another 2000 died from other skin cancers. Malignant melanoma, the most rapidly increasing form of cancer in the United States, causes approximately 75% of all skin cancer deaths. Diagnosed at an early stage, it usually can be cured; diagnosed at a late stage it’s more likely to spread and cause death.

    The average child requires one-half ounce (oz) of sunscreen for adequate total body coverage Picture of Children At Beach

    Unfortunately, many of us do not adequately protect our skin, and although sun protection is important for everyone, it is especially critical for children and young adults. Research has shown a link between blistering sunburns in children and an increased risk of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) and other skin cancers. And children receive about 80% of their lifetime sun exposure by the age of 18. Protecting their skin from the sun's rays could prevent about 80% of skin cancers.

    Use the following tips, courtesy of the Dermatology Department of the University of Iowa College of Medicine, to protect your children (and yourself) from the harmful effects of sun exposure:

    Set a good example
    Parents and caregivers should protect their own skin every day all year long by applying moisturizers or sunscreens with at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15. Even on cloudy days up to 80% of the sun's armful rays reach earth.

    Understand Sun Protection Factors (SPF)
    A SPF of 8 filters out 86% of ultraviolet radiation. SPF 15 blocks 92% of damaging rays and SPF 30 blocks 96% of ultraviolet rays. Don't forget...apply sunscreen to lips, ears and exposed scalp.

    Sunscreens
    work by absorbing most of the sun's rays before they penetrate the skin, but some still get through. Sunblocks such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide block or reflect the sun's rays.

    Apply
    sunscreen that has at least a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 to dry skin about 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors

    Use plenty
    The average child requires one-half ounce (oz) of sunscreen for adequate total body coverage.

    Spray
    forms are fun for children and are quickly applied to large areas of the body. Lotions work best on the face.

    Avoid
    use on infants six months and younger as sunscreens may irritate baby skin. Care should be taken to totally avoid sun exposure during this period.

    Lee County School District
    does not permit children bringing sun protection products to school. Parents should apply before sending child to school in the morning.

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