Every month has awareness or celebrations associated these days. For May, we have two that are special for the skin: Skin cancer awareness and Ichthyosis Awareness.
One is a more common problem in adults: Skin Cancer. Why mention this for kids? Because skin cancer prevention starts in childhood with good sun protection behaviors including shade seeking, sun protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and sunscreen. I recommend SPF 50+ for regular sun protection. Just as we use HPV vaccines to prevent cervical and penile cancers, we wear helmets when riding bikes, wear seatbelts when in moving vehicles, we should be protecting our skin from the harmful parts of the sun.
We know that one blistering sunburn before the age of 13 doubles your lifetime risk of melanoma AND we know that the sun damage you get before the age of 20 most predicts your lifetime risk of skin cancer of all sun-related types.
For the adults out there, Melanoma Monday is the American Academy of Dermatology’s push to get folks screened for skin cancers. Find a local screening, make an appointment with your primary care or a dermatologist if you are at risk. Risk factors include being over age 60, and history of tanning bed use, blistering sunburns and outdoor jobs or sun-laden hobbies (such as sailing).
Still want that tanned glow? Here’s tips on applying self-tanner. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/apply-self-tanner
It is coming to be summer in Minnesota, and I want everyone to enjoy the glorious days ahead. Get outside! Swim, canoe, kayak, bike, hike, go to the park, walk the dog or go for a walk, enjoy a sunset. But do it all with some great protective clothing, a great sunscreen and a smile on your face.
More on Ichthyosis Awareness month next week!
