One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, and without proper skin protection against sunlight exposure there could be an increased risk in the UAE, says Dr Upendra Acharya Consultant Dermatologist and Medical Director of Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre.
Skin cancer is a growing health problem world wide. The World Health Organisation says that between two and three million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year.
To avoid developing cancerous spots in the skin, Dr Acharya advises people to be aware of changes in moles such as sudden increase in growth, darkening or scattering of pigment, bleeding or irritation. He advises to visit a doctor and biopsy such a lesion to check for signs of malignancy.
Excessive sun exposure and sunburns are a major cause of skin cancer.
“It is extremely important that the patient knows of the serious danger sun can cause to the skin and is aware of preventive measures than can apply to reduce effects of sun damage,” says Dr Acharya.
Sun burn is caused by three types of Ultra Violet Rays consisting of A, B and C. UVC rays are the shortest but are potentially the most harmful but are totally screened out by the upper ozone layer. UVB rays cause immediate damage of sunburn and are the primary cause of skin cancer. UVA rays are the main cause of premature aging of skin, causing wrinkles, age spots and loss of elasticity.
According to Dr Acharya, fair skinned people burn far more rapidly than other skin types so it is important that people are not over tanning their skin throughout summer.
“Tanning is not healthy for the skin as it is damaged skin so people need to always use a good sun protective preparation and daily moisturiser to protect the skin to avoid tanning,” he says.
There are many preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer including the following.
1. Avoid the midday sun, between 11 am and 3 pm.
2. Seek natural shade when outside on a sunny day.
3. Use clothing as a sunscreen including T-shirts and hats.
4. Use broad spectrum sun screen with an SPF of 25 or higher to protect against UVB and with additional UVA protection.
