Sun Exposure Linked to Cancer

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. To limit your amount of exposure to UV rays, follow these easy steps.

• Avoid mid-day sun, as the sun's rays are most intense during 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Remember that clouds do not block UV rays.
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand.
• Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps which emit UVA and UVB rays.
• Wear hats and protective clothing when possible to minimize your body's exposure to the sun.
• Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed skin. Re-apply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and area around your eyes.

Risks Factors

Everyone's skin can be affected by UV rays. People with fair skin run a higher risk of sunburns. Aside from skin tone, factors that may increase your risk for sun damage and skin cancer include:

• Previously treated for cancer
• Family history of skin cancer
• Several moles
• Freckles
• Typically burn before tanning
• Blond, red or light brown hair

If you detect unusual moles, spots or changes in your skin, or if your skin easily bleeds, make an appointment with Advanced Desert Dermatology. Changes in skin may be a sign of skin cancer. With early detection from your Peoria dermatologist, skin cancers have a high cure rate and response to treatment. Additionally, if you want to reduce signs of aged skin, seek the advice of your dermatologist for a variety of skin-rejuvenating treatment options.

There are a wide variety of sunscreens available, including lotions, sprays, creams, gels, wipes, and lip balms, to name a few. These topical products absorb or reflect some, but not all, of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the skin to help protect against sun damage. But which one is right for you? Advanced Desert Dermatology can help you find the best sunscreen for your needs and lifestyle.

SPF -- what's in a number?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) provides an indication of how effectively a sunscreen can protect your skin from the ultraviolet-B (UVB) light -- the rays that cause sunburn and skin cancer. A higher SPF number represents a higher level of protection. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreen products with a sun protection factor of at least 30.

Today, sunscreens with SPFs as high as 100 are available, but a higher number doesn't necessarily mean more protection. For instance, many people believe a sunscreen with SPF 45 would give 3 times as much protection as one with an SPF of 15. This is not true. SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%. SPF 50 sunscreens filter approximately 98% while SPF 100 provides 99%. The higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. No sunscreen can provide complete protection.

Apply Sunscreen Properly

Regardless of the SPF rating, sunscreen should be reapplied often for optimal protection. A majority of people do not apply a layer of sunscreen thickly, so the actual protection they get is less. For best results, most sunscreens must be reapplied at least every two hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. Apply sunscreen generously, paying close attention to face, ears, arms, neck and all other areas exposed to the sun. Sunscreens do expire, so always check the expiration date to make sure it is still effective.

Skin cancers fall into two major categories: melanoma and non-melanoma.

• Basal cell carcinoma is rarely fatal and most commonly appears after the age of 40 in the form of lesions on the head or neck area, which may increase in size or bleed easily.
• Squamous cell carcinoma generally develops in people over 50 on sun-damaged skin. This is the most common form of non-melanoma cancer, and treatment is usually surgical or radiation therapy. These growths appear as flat and red, becoming raised, scaly patches.
• Melanoma is the most severe form of skin cancer, often occurring on the back of men and the legs of women. Risk increases with age, and the average age of detection is between 45-50 years old. It usually appears as a dark flat or raised area on the skin, and is often irregular in shape. Left untreated, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body.

First step: prevention

The good news is that with early detection and treatment, non-melanoma cancers can be cured in over 99% of the cases, and melanoma is readily detectable and usually curable if treated early.

To start protecting your skin, limit sun exposure by seeking shade and always wearing sunscreen, even during the winter months. When possible, wear hats and sunglasses to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Sun exposure is one of the biggest contributors to skin cancer, including tanning booths. People with fair skin, several moles or freckles, or a family history of skin cancer are also at an increased risk for developing skin cancers.

Early detection and self-exams can save your life

Many types of skin cancer grow slowly, while some melanomas can appear very quickly. Detected in its early stages, skin cancer is very treatable. Use a mirror to examine unreachable parts of your body or ask a family member or friend to assist you. Check your moles regularly for any changes in appearance or sensitivity, and contact our Peoria office for unusual signs.

Sin cancer may be one of the most common types of cancer, but it is also one of the most preventable and curable. Take steps now to protect your skin and visit Advanced Desert Dermatology for regular exams or unusual findings.

Not only is chronic adult acne frustrating, but it can also have long-lasting effects on the self-esteem and confidence of those suffering from it. To combat blemishes, follow a few basic guidelines to improve your skin's condition.

• Avoid the urge to pick or squeeze pimples. Aggravating your acne will only increase inflammation, delay the healing process and lead to scarring.
• Follow a daily skincare regimen, as recommended by your Peoria dermatologist, to remove oils, make up and sweat from the surface of your skin.
• When wearing make-up, only use oil-free cosmetics.
• Avoid over-washing your skin as this can make your acne worse.
• Wash gently with a mild facial cleanser once or twice a day. Be cautious of harsh cleansing products that lead to dry, irritated skin.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Limit exposure to sun and excess cold.

Fortunately, the physical and emotional effects of acne can be reversed with proper treatment. While adult acne can be persistent, an individualized treatment plan from our Peoria office can help you reduce blemishes, prevent scarring and eliminate your acne. With diligent home care and help from Advanced Desert Dermatology your acne can be significantly improved - enabling you to regain your confidence for a better, rejuvenated life.

While hormonal changes during puberty cause many types of acne to be unavoidable, with a diligent skincare regimen, many teens can help control breakouts from becoming severe, minimize the appearance of blemishes and prevent scarring.

• Keep skin clean. Teens produce more oil, so it's important to wash the face every day with warm water and a mild cleanser to remove excess surface oils and dead skin cells. Always remove makeup before going to bed to avoid clogging pores.
• Avoid over washing. Harsh scrubbing can lead to dry, irritated skin which can actually increase inflammation and trigger glands to produce more oil.
• Don't pick. Squeezing and picking at acne can make breakouts worse. Picking at blemishes can also lead to greater inflammation and infection, increasing the risk for scarring.
• Keep hands off. Avoid touching the face throughout the day as the oils on hands can drive bacteria into the pores.
• Use oil-free products. Avoid oil-based makeup. Instead look for products that are noncomedogenic or non-acnegenic.
• Shower after sports or physical activities. Sweat and oil can settle on the skin's surface trapping dirt and bacteria in the pores.
• Visit your dermatologist. Most cases of mild acne can be controlled and improved with a good skincare routine at home. If your skin problems persist, visit Advanced Desert Dermatology for professional treatment.

Being a teenager is tough enough without having to worry about breakouts. The good news is that effective treatments are available for acne -- and the earlier treatment is started, the lower a teen's risk of lasting physical and emotional damage. When home care is not helping, talk to a Peoria dermatologist about treatment options. Advanced Desert Dermatology can help tailor a treatment plan that is best for you or your teen's unique skin type and needs.