Parkland provides sun safety tips for National Sun Safety Week

DALLAS – According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in every five people in the United States will be diagnosed with skin cancer. As a part of National Sun Safety Week, June 2-8, dermatologists at Parkland Health & Hospital System emphasize the importance of properly protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays while enjoying outdoor activities.

“It takes only one blistering sunburn to double your lifetime risk of melanoma,” said Gabriela Blanco, MD, a physician in Parkland’s outpatient dermatology clinic.

Melanoma, the most fatal type of skin cancer, generally affects individuals in their prime years of life and is most commonly seen in young adults 25-29 years old. Although frequently seen in Caucasians, melanoma can strike men and women of all races, ages and skin types.

Dr. Blanco suggests the following sun safety tips to help prevent damage to your skin this summer: 

•Avoid the sun when possible. It’s particularly important to stay indoors or in the shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

•Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and re-apply every two hours

•Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from burns

•Buy water-resistant sunscreen for swimming or activities that cause you to sweat

•Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face

•Do not use tanning beds or sun lamps

•Apply sunscreen even when it is cloudy

If you have specific risk factors such as fair skin, blue eyes, blonde or red hair, multiple moles or a family history of melanoma, it is especially essential to monitor and protect your skin. Seek immediate medical attention if you find a mole on your body that is painful, growing, bleeding, changing form rapidly or black.

“Skin cancer is the easiest cancer to detect and one that can be prevented,” said Dr. Blanco. “Unlike many cancers, you can actually do something about it.”

For more sun safety information, please visit the Sun Safety Alliance website at http://www.sunsafetyalliance.org.