Avoid Skin Cancer: Еnјоу thе Ѕun & Оutdооrs Ѕаfеlу
The warm weather and sunshine in Hawaii make it a pleasure to spend as much time outdoors as possible, and many people take full advantage of it. However, it is precisely because the Islands receive so much sun from their position close to the Equator that the risk of skin cancer is high here. Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation that can damage skin cells, potentially causing malignant growths.
Fortunately, you do not need to give up the sun and stay indoors at all times to reduce your risk. There are a few simple steps you can take to protect your skin, allowing you to spend quality time outdoors.
What Is Skin Cancer?
The skin contains several layers of different cells. Skin cancer occurs due to the growth of these cells that is not only abnormal but malignant, meaning they can spread to other parts of the body and harm normal tissues.
There are three different skin cancer types. The most serious but least common type is melanoma, which develops in the cells that cause skin pigment. More common types include squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Basal cells are found at the lowest level of the epidermis. When old skin cells die off, the basal cells replace them. The squamous cells are found in the middle and outer layers of the skin.
If caught early, treatment has a high success rate, which is why it is important to report any changes in your skin to a doctor in Hawaii. If the cancer spreads, treatment can be more difficult, and the prognosis becomes worse.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer symptoms vary by type.
Melanoma
Melanoma most often appears as a dark-colored lesion. The appearance may be mottled and the border irregular. It may appear as a new mole, or you may notice changes to an existing one. Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body and may cause itching or burning of the lesion.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma can occur as a flat lesion, similar to a scar, that is flesh-colored to brown. It may also appear as a bump that appears waxy or pearly. It may go through cycles of bleeding, scabbing, healing, and then coming back. Basal cell carcinoma is most likely to occur in the face or neck areas that see the most sun exposure.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears in areas frequently exposed to the sun, but not always. It can appear as a flat, crusty, scaly lesion or a red and firm nodule.
What Can You Do To Help Prevent Skin Cancer?
It is impossible to predict who will develop cancer or prevent it with 100% certainty. Skin cancer usually occurs in areas of the body that see the most sun exposure, but this is not always the case. However, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by taking steps to protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation and making some modifications to your usual skin care routine.
Wear Sunscreen
Instead of putting on sunscreen only when you think you need it, make it part of your daily grooming regimen. Cloud cover does not filter out ultraviolet radiation, so an overcast sky does not provide sufficient protection. Choose an SPF of 30 or more and make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that filters out different types of UV rays. Reapply as necessary. There are beauty products that incorporate sunscreen to make it easier to protect your skin on a daily basis.
Hydrate
Your body’s cells need water to carry out their vital functions. Experts recommend that you drink up to one to two liters of water every day to help keep your skin fresh and younger-looking. Keeping hydrated also helps to prevent sickness from dehydration and avoid exhaustion that can come from high temperatures.
Avoid Brighter Times of Day
Try to schedule workouts or other outdoor activities for the morning or evening. From the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the sun's rays are hitting Hawaii most directly, increasing your risk for harmful exposure. Earlier or later in the day, the sun's rays are more indirect, meaning less exposure to UV radiation.
If you can’t avoid outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours, protect yourself from radiation by wearing long sleeves and long pants or skirts in lightweight, breathable materials and wearing a visor or wide-brimmed hat to shield your face from the sun.
Pay Extra Attention to Your Medications & Supplements
Certain medications can cause your skin to become sensitive to sun exposure, resulting in irritation. Be sure to read the labels carefully to know of any side effects of the medication. If there is a risk of sun sensitivity with your medication, take extra precautions. Sunscreen becomes even more important as a preventive measure, and you should also wear a hat or visor that offers good sun protection. Ask your doctor about specific steps you should take to protect your skin and inquire whether it may be possible to adjust your prescription dosage.
It is not only medications that may cause sun sensitivity. Certain treatments, such as facials, could also cause irritation when exposed to sunlight while the skin is still vulnerable. Ask your dermatologist for guidance upon completing the treatment.
Improve Your Diet
Certain nutrients help fortify your body's natural defenses and protect your skin from damage that could put you at risk for cancer. Sardines, eggs, and flax seeds are examples of foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to helping to improve skin health, omega-3s have other health benefits for your cardiovascular system, brain, eyes, and mental health.
Another nutrient that can help your skin if you add it to your diet is collagen, which helps repair damage. Red and yellow vegetables, berries, and citrus fruits are examples of foods containing collagen. You may maximize the benefits by choosing foods that contain both collagen and omega-3s, such as eggs or fish.
Learn More About Skin Health in Hawaii Today
If you notice symptoms of cancer or another skin condition, Doctors of Waikiki can perform an assessment and make a referral if necessary. Walk into our clinic any time or contact us for more information.
Image Source: Evgeniy Kalinovskiy / Shutterstock