A Message From Your Doctor;
July the 4th came and went with a bang and we are now left with the dog days of summer, for at least the next few months. With the long days of sunshine in South Mississippi comes exposure to inordinate amounts of UV (ultra-violet) light. Now, a bit of sunshine isn't bad thing, in fact some sunshine exposure helps in vitamin D metabolism in our system, but too much sun is never good. Protracted sun exposure leads not only to wrinkling and skin aging, but also to the more sinister development of skin cancers.
Skin cancers, in fact, are on the rise in our population and this is a direct result of millions of sun worshipers across the country hitting beaches, like ours, during the summer months to get that perfect golden tan. And to make matters worse on our skin, more and more are also hitting the tanning salons to get that sun-kissed look long after the summer is over.
The individuals in our population that most seek out that perfect tan, pursuing summer’s golden look even if it means going to the tanning beds all winter, is young and female. This group as a result represents those most at risk for problems and in fact melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has increased 2.2% this generation alone. Tanning bed users as a whole are at 74% greater risk than non-users of developing melanoma and other skin related cancers. The reasoning is simple, tanning bed users get greater UV exposure over time given their year round ability to tan.
It's not a wonder that as our legislators, while tackling health care reform legislation, considered taxing tanning salons. The risk posed by tanning beds is real and cumulative over time. The misconception that one has to be sunburned to have caused any damage from sun exposure is a myth. In fact, the very presence of darkening color or tanning of the skin is the skin's response to sun damage. Here in South Mississippi referrals for skin cancer evaluation represents the most common reconstructive consult a Plastic Surgeon sees.
How can we then be proactive and protect our skin from both aging and damage that leads to cancer. Well, the answers are simple. First, avoid tanning beds. They are unnecessary given the natural sun exposure we get as Gulf Coast residents. Secondly, enjoy your summer activities; just see that you get them done at times during the day when sun exposure is not at its greatest. Avoiding the sun’s rays between 11 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. when possible is prudent. Finally, we should protect our skin when out and about in the sun. This means wearing clothing when feasible to cover greater areas of our skin and sun block on sun exposed areas. UV sunglasses should be worn on our eyes as well to protect them from the damage of the sun's rays and reduce our risk of cataract development.
These simple steps will help ensure good skin health and still allow one time to enjoy our beautiful coastal weather. And, if you just have to have that bronzed complexion, consider a spray on tan.
If the sun's exposure over the years has already taken its toll on your once youthful appearance, come let us help you recapture the radiant glow your skin once had through the latest in skin care management, laser and pulsed light treatments and surgical rejuvenation.
