Take care of the skin you’re in

Take care of the skin you’re in

Just a few serious sunburns can increase your child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. Kids don’t have to be at the pool, beach, or on vacation to get too much sun.

Their skin needs protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they’re outdoors.

An estimated 76,380 new cases of invasivemelanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2016. Over 300 of those cases have already been diagnosed in Arkansas.

Every year, over 10,000 lives are lost because of melanoma.

Melanoma accounts for less than one percent of skin cancer cases, but the vast majority of skin cancer deaths. The vast majority of melanomas are caused by the sun. Most cases can be prevented and this is the time of year we should all take extra precautions.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, using a tanning bed can increase the risk of melanoma by 59 percent and the risk increases with each use.

The Center for Disease Control recommends the follow measures during the summer months.

• Seek shade. UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday, so it’s best to plan indoor activities then. If this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a pop-up tent.

• Cover up. When possible, long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts can provide protection from UV rays. Clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection. A wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one, and darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors.

There are also UV protective fabrics in some swimwear and clothing.

• Apply sunscreen.

Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and UVA and UVB protection every time your child goes outside. For the best protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors. Don’t forget to protect ears, noses, lips, and the tops of feet.

Take sunscreen with you to reapply during the day, especially after your child swims or exercises. This applies to waterproof and water-resistant products as well.

Keep in mind, sunscreen is not meant to allow kids to spend more time in the sun than they would otherwise. Try combining sunscreen with other options to prevent UV damage.

And if you see an abnormal spot on your skin, see your doctor right away. Screening is looking for cancer before a person has any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat.

From State Representative Deborah Ferguson