10 ketteringhealth.org With the arrival of spring, you might be anxious to head outside. But as the weather warms up, don’t neglect to protect your skin against its greatest danger from the sun: skin cancer. Rebecca Tuttle, MD, surgical oncologist with Kettering Health Cancer Care, warns against braving the sun without proper skin protection. “Sun exposure is definitively linked to the development of skin cancer,” says Dr. Tuttle. “You need to protect yourself when you’re out in the sun.” Developing skin cancer—such as melanoma—is associated with lifelong sun exposure. Sunburns (particularly severe burns when you’re young) increase your risk, as do your family history and complexion. Those with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes are especially at risk for skin cancer. Dr. Tuttle recommends practicing sun safety by • Wearing sunscreen • Choosing protective clothing • Staying in the shade while outside The power of sunscreen Sunscreen is easily the most popular form of sun protection. But with so many options, it’s difficult to know which is best. Dr. Tuttle says the key is not the SPF (sun protection factor) number but rather applying sunscreen generously and often. Wear sunscreen whenever you’re out in the sun, no matter the activity. Stick to SPF 30 since it provides 97% protection from the sun’s rays. And use an ounce of sunscreen—roughly the same amount as a travel-sized hand sanitizer bottle. Reapply every one to two hours and whenever you sweat or swim. Dr. Tuttle adds that for full protection, sunscreen needs to be applied 15 to Sun safety STAYsunburn-free Sunburn prevention is skin-cancer protection. EXTRA CARE If you or your child gets sunburned, you can use aloe, cooling gel, and/or Tylenol. Do not peel or pop your blisters— they are your body’s bandage. If you have a severe sunburn that continues to blister or needs to be examined, see your primary care provider or visit ketteringhealth.org/find-care to locate your closest Kettering Health On-Demand Care.
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